TORONTO – January 22, 2019 – TransPod, the startup that is building the world’s leading hyperloop system (the TransPod Line) to disrupt and redefine commercial transportation, today announced the expansion of its operations in France, for a new phase of testing and construction. This expansion includes building a new three-kilometer-long test track, opening a subsidiary TransPod France, and working with new industrial partners.
TransPod is relocating its current office from Toulouse to Limoges and is opening TransPod France to start operations in February, 2019 to facilitate advanced research and development. The new office will focus on the development of the test track in the nearby town of Droux and research and development for the testing program. The program, created through a partnership between the Hyperloop Limoges association and TransPod, secured the building permit for the test track in November, 2018. Construction of the test track will begin in 2019, and the company plans to begin high-speed testing in 2020. The results of the program will inform the construction of a working prototype of the TransPod Vehicle – the new hyperloop vacuum train, also to be built in Limoges.
“Here at TransPod, we’re continuing to push harder than ever on global growth and innovation,” said Sebastien Gendron, co-founder, and CEO, TransPod. “It’s strategically advantageous for us to continue expanding in France – a scientific powerhouse that’s driving technological excellence on the world stage. It is also one of the most important geographies for developing ultra-high-speed transportation, such as the TransPod Line. By opening our office in Limoges, we’re bringing together global leaders and innovators to the region and further strengthening the relationship between France and Canada, and with that will come enormous economic potential.”
TransPod is proud to announce a new innovation in physics – veillance flux – to unlock a hidden world of sensing capability. Veillance flux will allow automobiles, aircraft, spacecraft, and even humans wearing electronic sensory-aids, to see and hear their environment with a heightened level of capability. Applications to autonomous vehicles are also being developed by TransPod, to solve the problem of driverless cars when they are blinded by the sunlight.
“We all share a desire to have super-human sensing capabilities, to see and hear the world around us with pinpoint accuracy,” said Ryan Janzen, co-founder and CTO, TransPod. “The TransPod Vehicle is designed to travel at over 1000 km/h+, using veillance flux capability in its flight control system, for a safe, smooth ride.”
TransPod is expanding its global partnership network and will begin working with a number of industry leaders to develop the test track and TransPod Vehicle subsystems. TransPod’s new partners include the following:
ArcelorMittal
ArcelorMittal is the world’s leading steel and mining company, with a presence in 60 countries and an industrial footprint in 18 countries. The company is a leading supplier of quality steel in the major global steel markets including automotive, construction, household appliances, and packaging. ArcelorMittal will work with TransPod to develop new steel alloys for the TransPod ultra-high-speed guideway.
“The hyperloop vacuum train system will become an indispensable mode of transportation in the near future, and as a frontrunner in developing next-generation technology and concepts, ArcelorMittal is excited to work with TransPod to bring it to life,” said Jean-Martin Van der Hoeven, Chief Marketing Officer of Global Automotive & Mobility Solutions, ArcelorMittal. “Our focus on sustainability and social responsibility will inform the development of this ultra-high-speed transportation system that will enable journeys between cities at speeds previously thought to be impossible.”
Électricité de France (EDF)
EDF is one of the world’s largest producers of electricity, specializing in operations ranging from engineering to distribution. With a focus on producing, transporting, and distributing safe, clean, and affordable energy, EDF operates in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Since the TransPod Vehicle is fully-electric and fossil-fuel-free, EDF will work on electrical infrastructure to provide power to the test track site, and electrical systems to support the TransPod Vehicle’s high-speed tests.
“EDF is a natural fit for this innovative, low-carbon project in the heart of Limousin,” said Gérard Teragnoli, Deputy Commercial Director Val de Loire Limousin Poitou Charentes, EDF. “TransPod and EDF both share a mutual vision for developing innovation and renewable energy, and are proud to contribute to the development and advancement of the region through the Choose France initiative.”
La SADE
Established in more than 20 countries with more than 9,000 employees, SADE specializes in the design, construction, implementation, and maintenance of networks and systems of water, telecommunications, and energy. La SADE celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018, and will work with TransPod on the structural system for the TransPod Line’s guideway.
“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with TransPod to develop an innovative transportation system here in France,” said Patrick Leleu, CEO, La SADE.
Hyperloop Limoges
Hyperloop Limoges is a French association created in 2017 with the goal to open up the city of Limoges to technological advancement and development of hyperloop transportation. It has partnered with TransPod to facilitate and promote the establishment of TransPod France as well as the test center.
“The ambition of Hyperloop Limoges is to share the skills and talent in the region of Haute-Vienne by hosting innovative industries,” said Vincent Leonie, President of Hyperloop Limoges. “Through our partnership with TransPod, our support for the installation of a test center in Droux, and our plans to produce the TransPod Vehicle in Limoges, we are opening up economic potential in the region.”
About TransPod
TransPod’s goal is to disrupt and redefine commercial transportation between major cities in developed and emerging markets. The startup was founded in 2015 to build the world’s leading hyperloop system (the TransPod System) to connect people, cities, and businesses with high-speed transportation that is affordable and environmentally sustainable. TransPod Inc. is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. For more information, visit www.transpod.com
For more information, contact:
Dianna Lai Read
Director, Communications
TransPod Inc.
dianna.lai@transpod.com