New EU study assesses progress and prospects for hyperloop technology

A sector moving beyond design into real-world testing 

According to the study, Europe’s hyperloop companies have advanced significantly in recent years, moving from concept-level designs to building and operating test facilities. Several actors-located in the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Poland, and France – are already conducting full-scale component and subsystem trials, with early integrated system testing expected within the decade. 

The study highlights that hyperloop’s progress is no longer theoretical: infrastructure concepts, tube designs, pods, propulsion systems, and levitation technologies are being validated in controlled environments. The uploaded annex (pp. 5-7) identifies at least five active European test sites, marking Europe as one of the leading global regions in real-world experimentation.  

Strategic relevance for Europe’s green and digital transition 

Hyperloop’s potential aligns with several of the EU’s long-term objectives: 

• Decarbonisation: Hyperloop could support climate neutrality by shifting long-distance passenger and freight flows to a zero-emission system powered by clean electricity. 
• Digitalisation: The technology is inherently digital-first, requiring high-precision automation, predictive maintenance, real-time data networks and advanced control systems. 
• Regional cohesion: Hyperloop corridors could strengthen interregional links and economic integration across Europe. 
• Industrial renewal: The study notes significant spillover opportunities for European industry, including materials, vacuum technologies, advanced manufacturing, sensors and control systems. 

Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, responsible for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, stated: 

“Today’s study shows that hyperloop technology could play a role in how Europe moves people and goods in the future. As we work towards a more connected and competitive Union, the EU will continue to support technologies like hyperloop that contribute to industrial innovation, regional cohesion and sustainability.” 

Remaining barriers: business models, costs and regulation  

The study also recognises the challenges that could slow hyperloop deployment: 

• Uncertain business viability: Large capital requirements and limited real-world operational data make it difficult to model long-term costs and revenue. 
• Infrastructure investment needs: Hyperloop requires entirely new corridor infrastructure, raising questions about financing, land use, and integration with existing networks. 
• Regulatory fragmentation: No harmonised EU framework for hyperloop currently exists, creating uncertainties for testing and cross-border development. 
• Safety validation: Safety requirements need to be defined, tested and harmonised before commercial deployment is possible. 

The fact-finding study (pp. 10-12) notes that without early regulatory alignment, Member States may pursue divergent national approaches – creating future interoperability barriers.   

How the EU is supporting hyperloop development 

The Commission already plays a role in promoting innovation and technical harmonisation. Through Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, the EU co-funds the Hyper4Rail project, which focuses on interoperability and common standards for hyperloop systems. The study also references (p. 14) a planned EU pilot project to develop safety requirements, ensuring technology-neutral and future-proof guidelines.  

Looking ahead, the study recommends additional EU-level actions, including: 

• Creating a regulatory sandbox for hyperloop testing 
• Aligning hyperloop development with the TEN-T long-term vision 
• Assessing where hyperloop corridors could address unmet transport needs 
• Leveraging public-private partnerships to mobilise investment and share risks 

These findings will feed into the Commission’s upcoming strategy for promoting cutting-edge mobility technologies, as announced in Commissioner Tzitzikostas’ mission letter. 

Relevance for ALICE and the freight innovation community 

For freight transport and logistics, hyperloop introduces new possibilities for ultra-fast, zero-emission long-distance flows, particularly for high-value, time-sensitive goods. Its emphasis on automation, digitalisation and multimodal integration aligns with ALICE’s long-term vision for the Physical Internet, next-generation freight corridors and end-to-end efficiency. 

ALICE will continue monitoring EU hyperloop developments, exploring opportunities for collaboration, standardisation and future deployment scenarios relevant to freight and logistics operators. 

ALICE invites members and stakeholders working on hyperloop-related topics to contribute their perspectives and experience. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Giuseppe Luppino to join the discussion.

Read the full study by DG MOVE: New EU study assesses progress and prospects for hyperloop technology – Mobility and Transport