The Newest Hyperloop Prototype Will Travel 760 MPH

Virgin Hyperloop One has released a prototype for the next possible mode of transportation: Hyperloop. A levitating pod designed to travel at speeds up to 760 mph (1,200 km/h) through a Hyperloop connecting Dubai to Abu Dhabi. Usually the distance of 87 miles is about a 90 minute trip by car. However, the Hyperloop will take only 12 minutes.

The Hyperloop has an innovative track that has had the air removed to create a vacuum inside. The newest pod prototype from Virgin will be accelerated by an electromagnetic propulsion system within the tube. Each pod is designed to carry up to 10 passengers. And with research done by authorities that means the Hyperloop will be able to transport 10,000 passengers an hour, both ways. But don’t get too excited yet. It won’t be until 2021 when the company should have three working Hyperloop systems.

Obviously, with speeds like this, passengers will have to stay buckled in. But given the ride is only 12 minutes and BMW designed the pod’s leather seats, everyone should stay rather comfortable. If 12 minutes is too long to be without entertainment, don’t worry. There will be entertainment systems on board.

But CEO of Virgin, Richard Branson, says there’s more than just this pod on deck. He announced last month that his company would also build a Hyperloop between Pune and Mumbai, in India. Do you think Elon Musk and The Boring Company has competition?