First, here’s everything you need to know about the Hyperloop (well – the basics at least). Tesla founder, Elon Musk, came up with the idea in 2013 – his vision was to develop a super-fast and energy-efficient mode of transport using little more than a capsule and pipe.
Sounds far-fetched but science says it’ll work. In fact, Hyperloop has already completed its first successful test ride. Eventually, Hyperloop is expected to transport people and freight at speeds of 1,200km/h along a pipe under low pressure.
Record-breaking journey times
Of course, it won’t be the most picturesque journey travellers will make (discounting the virtual windows they’re expected to feature), but they’ll get there in record times. We’re talking about a 1-hour trip between Sydney and Melbourne without the usual airport hassle. Imagine that!
Hyperloop’s aim is to drastically reduce travel times between two locations and make the cost of the journey cheaper than air travel. But while many people all over the world will be looking forward to more affordable city breaks with minimal travel, the Hyperloop is hoped to revolutionise the delivery industry too. And that’s perfect timing considering consumers’ growing love affair with online shopping and same-day deliveries.
The problem is, this is all theory right now (sort of). While it’s easier to understand the benefits when it comes to human transportation, the question remains, will the Hyperloop find a place within the delivery space as we know it?
Australia’s needs fast and cost-effective transport
To answer this question, it’s important to understand what it’ll be used for and how it compares to existing transport alternatives. Australia is a perfect example of a country that could make great use of the Hyperloop. That’s because we’re a pretty small country by population spread out over an enormous continent.
Australia needs fast and cost-effective ways to transport goods between our capital cities because, frankly, our economy depends on it. Amazon’s upcoming arrival illustrates this well. Would it be possible for Amazon to build a major distribution centre in Melbourne if goods couldn’t be transported quickly across the nation? Well – not if Amazon’s same-day delivery promises are to be kept.
Hyperloop will go head-to-head with air transport
Clearly, Hyperloop in Australia – like anywhere else – is set to go head-to-head with air transportation when it comes to logistics. But how will it fare? Some sceptics say it’ll never work – for two main reasons. They believe its limitation to transport between hubs will blow out journey times because additional road transport will be required at either end. They also suggest weight restrictions will limit the type of goods to lightweight, high-value items.
Frequency will be Hyperloop’s trump card
So, let’s address those. Like the Hyperloop, air-cargo is also limited to transportation between main airports. Road transport to and from airports is a tried and tested part of the process and doesn’t affect expectations when it comes to speed and efficiency.
When it comes to weight – this could be where Hyperloop wins against the air. Agreed – no single Hyperloop pod will be able to transport the same bulk as an aircraft, but the number of pods travelling between hubs in one day could easily surpass the amount of cargo planes getting out of airports late at night.
Without air traffic restrictions and the high costs of fuel coming into play, Hyperloop’s promise of frequent journeys throughout the day could be exactly what the delivery industry needs to make cheap, flexible same-day deliveries really work across the country.