A Dutch startup, Hardt Hyperloop, just hit a new milestone in European hyperloop testing. At the European Hyperloop Center’s 420-meter track in the Netherlands, they clocked a test speed of 85 km/h, a major leap over prior 30 km/h trials, even amid a relatively short and controlled environment, reports Tech Xplore.
Crucially, the team successfully executed a lane-switching maneuver, a technical necessity if hyperloop routes are ever to form real networks. This achievement makes it clear that high-speed switching isn’t a blocker; an encouraging sign for upscaling.
Hardt Hyperloop is already setting sights higher. As soon as infrastructure allows, they expect to reach top speeds of 700 km/h (435 mph), approaching aircraft-like velocity.
The European Hyperloop Center, operational since last year, has supported over 750 test missions, positioning it as a key sandbox in Europe’s hyperloop landscape.
This trial underscores Europe’s methodical approach: carefully iterating on core technology while building testbed infrastructure. By contrast, China is progressing with larger-scale tests, clocking speeds above 600 km/h and aiming for full intercity routes like Shanghai–Guangzhou by 2035.
The promise of hyperloop lies in replacing short-haul flights with cleaner, ultra-fast, virtually silent transport. But the reality is still nascent: years of engineering work and infrastructure development lie ahead before commercial routes arrive.
The Netherlands’ latest test is less about the raw numbers and more about proving the building blocks, i.e., vehicle speed, switching capability, and operational consistency. It’s Europe showing that hyperloop, once bold speculation, can evolve into serious transport engineering.