AMSTERDAM – A Dutch technology startup has announced a breakthrough in futuristic transportation after setting a new European speed record during hyperloop trials. Hardt Hyperloop revealed its vehicle reached 85 kilometers per hour at the European Hyperloop Center’s 420-meter test track. The test also included a successful lane-switching maneuver, proving the system’s ability to handle complex networked routes without technical obstacles. This achievement marks a significant step toward achieving aircraft-like travel speeds.
Co-founder Tim Houter stated that the hyperloop could eventually reach speeds of up to 700 kilometers per hour once longer tracks are built. He emphasized that the infrastructure is the main barrier, not the technology itself. With expanded facilities, developers believe passengers could travel faster than airplanes on short routes. The milestone signals growing confidence in the hyperloop’s commercial future as a viable alternative to air and rail travel.
The European Hyperloop Center, which opened last year in the Netherlands, has already hosted more than 750 test missions. In just one year, speeds have advanced from 30 kilometers per hour to 85 kilometers per hour. This progress demonstrates how rapidly the technology is evolving and how closer it is moving toward real-world application. Supporters argue that hyperloop systems could transform European transportation within the next two decades.
Meanwhile, China continues to push ahead with its own high-speed projects, testing systems above 600 kilometers per hour and aiming to link Shanghai and Guangzhou by 2035. Europe has not yet committed to building a full-scale long-distance test facility, though countries like Germany and Italy are considering the option. The progress in the Netherlands shows Europe is not far behind in this global race for next-generation transport.
Advocates claim hyperloop technology could replace short-haul flights across Europe, dramatically reducing travel times while consuming far less energy than conventional trains or planes. They argue it offers a cleaner, faster, and more sustainable option for future mobility. Although billions of dollars have already been spent worldwide on trials, no country has yet launched a commercial route. The latest Dutch breakthrough, however, provides new hope for the technology’s eventual adoption.
The hyperloop, first introduced by Elon Musk in 2013, has faced skepticism over cost and feasibility. Yet with Europe’s new speed record and successful maneuvering tests, confidence in the concept is growing. Observers believe these advances could pave the way for future investment, positioning Europe as a strong player in the global race for high-speed, eco-friendly transportation.