Exploring Potential Hyperloop Implementations Throughout The EU

The Hyperloop is a novel, high-speed transportation system that has the potential to improve existing modes of trade, travel, and delivery. In a paper by Vesjolijs, Stukalina, and Zervina, the socioeconomic impacts of the Hyperloop on trade routes throughout the European Union (EU) are examined. By running multiple scenarios that examine the current trade routes traversing the continent, along with potential ones that might be more feasible given advanced technology, the authors aim to understand the effects of a theoretical hyperloop system on EU trade.

Their research incorporates a systematic approach that considers existing literature, computational methods, and an analysis of their overall findings. They draw from industry reports, cost projections, and potential parallels for the Hyperloop. Using this data, they implemented the quantitative Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) method with Hyperloop variables to research how existing trade flows would be influenced. Within this model, they considered bilateral distance, as well as potential Hyperloop-specific parameters. In their final analysis, they identified the benefits of Hyperloop implementation, potential risks, and provided overall recommendations for its real-world implementation. Utilizing their PPML Model, they were able to acknowledge potential trade routes, organizing them by the countries of origin and destination and the year in which they traveled.

They acknowledge that while the high-speed abilities of a hyperloop system improve connectivity, they should be quantified in a way that represents this improvement in freight and resource transportation. The authors acknowledge GDP disparities between companies, as well as the potential of Hyperloop implementation affecting a country’s GDP over time. As a part of their analysis, they compare specific routes by looking at effects on speed, time, carbon emissions, and energy use. Further, comparisons were applied across different Hyperloop models to account for technological differences. 

Through their gravity model framework and impact simulations, the authors of this paper identified improvements in import and export volumes in various trade corridors. Among both positive and negative results, they found a 15% increase in exports and a 10% increase in imports for overall European trade. With the quantitative application and analysis provided, the Hyperloop is delineated as a promising method of trade.