# Ep. 17 | The Maiden Voyage of Virgin Hyperloop with CTO Josh Giegel

- Show: [Moore's Lobby](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby)
- Published: 2021-02-04
- Length: 45m
- Episode: 2
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2021-02-04-ep-17-the-maiden-voyage-of-virgin-hyperloop-with-cto-josh-giegel
- Listen: https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/podcast/ep-17-maiden-voyage-virgin-hyperloop-josh-giegel

## Summary

Josh Giegel, co-founder and CTO of Virgin Hyperloop, discusses the maiden voyage of the company's autonomous maglev pod, detailing the technical and emotional experience of the 500-meter test run. He explains the system's reliance on silicon carbide MOSFETs, linear motors, and modular design to achieve high efficiency and future-proofing against technological shifts. Giegel reflects on the leadership philosophy of taking personal accountability, likening his ride to a Roman architect standing under his arch, and the challenge of balancing family life with the demands of building a new transportation mode.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2021-02-04-ep-17-the-maiden-voyage-of-virgin-hyperloop-with-cto-josh-giegel#t=8) Introduction: Josh Giegel and the Virgin Hyperloop Maiden Voyage
- [2:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2021-02-04-ep-17-the-maiden-voyage-of-virgin-hyperloop-with-cto-josh-giegel#t=162) The Emotional and Physical Experience of the First Ride
- [14:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2021-02-04-ep-17-the-maiden-voyage-of-virgin-hyperloop-with-cto-josh-giegel#t=899) Giegel's Career Path from SpaceX to Founding Virgin Hyperloop
- [22:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2021-02-04-ep-17-the-maiden-voyage-of-virgin-hyperloop-with-cto-josh-giegel#t=1373) Defining Hyperloop: Electric, Autonomous, and Sustainable
- [25:57](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2021-02-04-ep-17-the-maiden-voyage-of-virgin-hyperloop-with-cto-josh-giegel#t=1557) Electromagnetics, Silicon Carbide, and Power Electronics
- [30:55](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2021-02-04-ep-17-the-maiden-voyage-of-virgin-hyperloop-with-cto-josh-giegel#t=1855) Modular Design Philosophy and Future-Proofing the System
- [38:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2021-02-04-ep-17-the-maiden-voyage-of-virgin-hyperloop-with-cto-josh-giegel#t=2281) Leadership, Accountability, and Family Risks

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Batteries & low-power design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/batteries-and-low-power)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Virgin Hyperloop (company)
- SpaceX (company)
- NASA (company)
- QuantumScape (company)
- Silicon Carbide MOSFETs (chip)
- IGBTs (chip)
- Shinkansen (product)

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- [52: Maximize the Sonic Boom](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2014-05-21-52-maximize-the-sonic-boom) (Embedded.fm)
- [Full-Stack AI, Zapier MCP & Limitless Pendant | $10 M Boring Tunnels](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2025-05-16-full-stack-ai-zapier-mcp-limitless-pendant-10-m-boring-tunnels) (Built 2 Scale)
- [51. Recapping 2021](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-01-05-51-recapping-2021) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [95: The Elon Musk of Earth](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-04-01-95-the-elon-musk-of-earth) (Embedded.fm)

## Citing this page

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