In November, the European Commission presented an information study on the progress of introducing hyperloop technology at EU level – a way of traveling extremely fast across the “entire continent,” offering ultra-fast and low-emission mobility for passengers and goods. The study highlights that hyperloop technology is developing rapidly and is approaching the stage where it could be tested on a demonstration scale, moving beyond the prototype stage. The investment required for such a network is enormous.
The study* shows that hyperloop technology is in a phase of accelerated development and is approaching the point where it could be tested on a demonstration scale, moving from the prototype stage to the demonstration stage. Several companies are involved in the development of hyperloop technology and have succeeded in producing full-scale prototypes and partially integrating the systems.
The emergence of dedicated infrastructure, such as the European Hyperloop Centre (EHC) in the Netherlands, along with planned test tracks in Spain and Poland, demonstrates that physical assets are already taking shape to support the validation and demonstration stages. Propulsion, levitation, capsule design, and vacuum operation technologies are largely adaptations of aerospace and rail solutions, and some components have already reached TRL 6–7*** levels of technological maturity. However, critical functions such as real-time switching, integrated capsule control, safety and evacuation systems, and full-length operation in a vacuum environment are still at lower levels of technological maturity. For hyperloop technology to evolve into a viable commercial transport system, all components will ultimately need to reach TRL 8.
Seven of the leading hyperloop developers were consulted to summarise the current state of knowledge in the sector. In terms of specific initiatives in the EU, the seven European and international developers involved are: Hardt Hyperloop (Netherlands), Nevomo (Poland), Zeleros (Spain), Hyperloop Technology Institute (IHT, Germany), Swiss-American company Swisspod Technologies, TransPod (Canada), and Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT, USA). At the end of 2020, they established the Hyperloop Association, based in Brussels, to promote the policy of implementing hyperloop technology.
Introduction of hyperloop technology
The timeline for the commercial introduction of Hyperloop systems remains cautious. No developer anticipates the opening of operational corridors before 2035–2040, and large-scale network effects are unlikely before 2060 or even later. The study proposes a phased European strategy focused on creating the conditions necessary for the development of hyperloop. In the short term, targeting the period 2025–2030, the EU could focus its efforts on instruments that do not involve direct regulation.
These estimates reflect both the technical challenges that still need to be overcome and the complexity of the institutional and financial framework into which hyperloop will need to be integrated. To prevent fragmentation, initial projects will require careful coordination and support from regulatory learning and adaptation processes.
Between 2030 and 2040, the EU could start developing a certification framework specific to hyperloop technology, in cooperation with the ERA (European Union Agency for Railways), EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency), and international standardization bodies. Other actions should support the emergence of a European industrial ecosystem for hyperloop through training programs, investment incentives, and integration into initiatives such as Net-Zero Industry and STEP (Sustainable and Smart Transport Electrification Platform).
According to the study, after 2040, if the technology proves viable and competitive, the EU could consider more formal regulatory instruments to support interoperability, market access, and safety of hyperloop systems. However, this approach should depend on accumulated experience, solid evidence, and a clear link to the EU’s broader transport and climate change objectives.
The first long-distance hyperloop lines carrying passengers at speeds of 1,000 km/h could become a reality from 2045, when a north-south connection linking Barcelona to Munich and a southern line between Lisbon and Naples could be operational.
There are also versions with an extension to the Eurasian corridor, but after 2050.
By 2050, the hyperloop transport network would cover the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, and Poland, totaling approximately 6,207 km.
Based on these projections, it is estimated that the European hyperloop network will not be operational in the other 20 EU member states until 2050, without influencing transport demand in these countries.
Investments of EUR 800 billion
Infrastructure costs for hyperloop are high, estimated at between EUR 17.5 and EUR 36.6 million per kilometer. However, these may be comparable to, or even lower than, those of high-speed rail networks, according to the study. For example, in a study, the European Commission indicates that the capital investment required for each kilometer of high-speed rail in Europe amounts to 18 million EUR at 2024 prices (but this does not appear to include land acquisition costs). According to one of the promoters of hyperloop, if we take into account the purchase of 3.2 hectares of land per kilometer and a cost of 2 million EUR per hectare for high-speed rail, the cost per kilometer increases to 31.4 million EUR. At the same time, the European Court of Auditors estimates that these costs would be around EUR 25 million per kilometer.
According to the various analyses and scenarios included in the study, at the EU level, the costs would be EUR 808 billion for a network of over 22,000 km, and for a network covering eight Member States (this being one of the scenarios), they would be EUR 227 billion, covering a network of over 6,200 km. In the Benelux region (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg), 632 km of hyperloop lines would require investments of 23 billion EUR. Maintenance costs are estimated at 1.7 billion EUR per year at EU level, 478 million EUR for eight Member States, and 49 million EUR per year for the Benelux region.
As for vehicle costs, these range from EUR 70 million for the Benelux region, to EUR 234 million for eight Member States, and EUR 425 million at EU level. Here too, estimates for vehicle maintenance are included, with EU-wide costs projected to be between 1 billion EUR and 4.2 billion EUR per year (costs vary depending on the promoters who made the estimates).
The initial investment required to build the hyperloop network is a significant obstacle, given the uncertainties surrounding the availability of funding and the profitability of early projects.
*Fact-finding study on options for the possible further support of the European hyperloop sector, prepared by a consortium led by Ramboll Management Consulting together with TIS, CERTH, and SINTEF.
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