Transport

Virgin Hyperloop shows off new pod design and passenger experience

Virgin Hyperloop shows off new pod design and passenger experience
This latest version of Virgin Hyperloop passenger capsule is described as the Commercial Vehicle
This latest version of Virgin Hyperloop passenger capsule is described as the Commercial Vehicle
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This latest version of Virgin Hyperloop passenger capsule is described as the Commercial Vehicle
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This latest version of Virgin Hyperloop passenger capsule is described as the Commercial Vehicle
A look at a future Virgin Hyperloop station
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A look at a future Virgin Hyperloop station
The updated Virgin Hyperloop passenger pod includes features like wireless charging, an artificial skylight with simulated natural light and LED notifications for updates on journey progress and speeds
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The updated Virgin Hyperloop passenger pod includes features like wireless charging, an artificial skylight with simulated natural light and LED notifications for updates on journey progress and speeds
Virgin Hyperloop's new-look passenger pods are designed to seat up to 28 passengers
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Virgin Hyperloop's new-look passenger pods are designed to seat up to 28 passengers
View gallery - 4 images

Although the technology needed to propel people through near-vacuum tubes at around the speed of sound is still years away, every now and then Hyperloop developers like to share their vision of what this future might look like. Virgin Hyperloop has done just that with a new promo video detailing its imagined passenger experience, complete with a new-look version of its transport pods.

The last time we took a look at the progress of the Virgin Hyperloop team, it was to cover the first ever crewed tests of a Hyperloop system as the passengers hummed along at 172 km/h (107 mph). These followed years of uncrewed tests at its development facility in Nevada, as the team works to build magnetically levitating pods that could one day travel at up to 1,200 km/h (745 mph).

In a new promo video, the company offers a look at the boarding experience via a futuristic Hyperloop station, with passengers hopping onto one of the company's pods and being whisked away through the countryside at high speed.

This latest version of Virgin Hyperloop's passenger capsule is described as the Commercial Vehicle, following its XP-1 and XP-2 prototypes. This pod includes features like wireless charging, an artificial skylight with simulated natural light and LED notifications for updates on journey progress and speeds.

The updated Virgin Hyperloop passenger pod includes features like wireless charging, an artificial skylight with simulated natural light and LED notifications for updates on journey progress and speeds
The updated Virgin Hyperloop passenger pod includes features like wireless charging, an artificial skylight with simulated natural light and LED notifications for updates on journey progress and speeds

These pods are designed to seat up to 28 passengers and travel direct to their destination with no stops in between. The company says that while ticket prices will vary between routes, it expects the cost to be accessible, and more like that of driving rather than flying.

“It’s simple. If it’s not affordable, people won’t use it,” said Jay Walder, CEO of Virgin Hyperloop. “Daily high-speed transport is currently not feasible for most people, but we want to change that notion. Imagine being able to commute between cities that are currently hours apart in minutes – and the endless possibilities that opens up.”

You can check out the video below.

Virgin Hyperloop Passenger Experience

Source: Virgin Hyperloop

View gallery - 4 images
7 comments
7 comments
guzmanchinky
COOL! But at those speeds and in a windowless cabin there better be almost zero turning or dipping...
paul314
I guess the acceleration of these pods must be very gradual, or else seats facing in both directions with no belts might be a bad ideal.
Username
Virgin has continuously moved further from the original concept. Their Hyperloop is now a generic, relatively slow, maglev. I find the most impressive attribute of Musk is to get his engineers to realize his vision instead of reverting to the comfort of what they are familiar with.
eMacPaul
@Username, the article notes that they're working toward a 745 MPH version, not planning to stay with 107 MPH.
Trylon
@guzmanchinky, There's no reason they can't put in OLED screens on the walls as virtual windows with 3D rendered scenery that matches the motion of the pod.
Jeff7
My vision is of morons putting their feet on the seats and listening to music through open back headphones
Username
@eMacPaul There's no way that seating arrangement can allow acceleration to 745 mph in a reasonable distance. But even if they managed it, my general statement is accurate.