Lexus has finally revealed how it's hoverboard REALLY works

The Lexus YouTube video shows the hoverboard floating around a skate park – and even across water

JUST don't expect to be able to buy one of the floating Back to the Future boards anytime soon.

 

Lexus has been teasing its hoverboard announcement since June. And now the moment is finally here.

The motor giant has today released a two-minute film which shows the jaw-dropping technology in action.

The YouTube video – entitled Slide – shows people riding the frictionless hoverboard in a custom skate-park.

At one point a rider even skates the high-tech hoverboard across a small body of water – similar to the chase scene from 1989 action-adventure hit Back to the Future Part II.

 

Unfortunately – the Lexus Hoverboard can only be used in an area with underground magnetic tracks

"I’ve spent 20 years skateboarding, but without friction it feels like I’ve had to learn a whole new skill, particularly in the stance and balance you need to ride the hoverboard," said pro-skateboard star Ross McGouran.

Although Lexus has made good on its promise to demonstrate a real, working hoverboard – there is a catch.

The hoverboard in the YouTube video is running along some 200 metres of magnetic tracks, set beneath the conventional skate park.

Meanwhile, the Lexus hoverboard sports two cryostats – smoking reservoirs which contain superconducting material, kept at -197°C through immersion in liquid nitrogen. 

 

The board floats above the magnetic tracks to achieve magnetic levitation and hover around the park and across the water.

We set out to push the boundaries of technology, design and innovation to make the impossible possible

Mark Templin, Vice President Lexus International

 

Dr Oliver de Hass said: "The magnetic field from the track is effectively ‘frozen’ into the superconductors in the board, maintaining the distance between the board and track – essentially keeping the board in a hover. 

"The force is strong enough that the rider can stand and even jump on the board."

Dr Hass is the CEO of evico GmbH, one of two firms which specialise in magnetic levitation technology that helped Lexus to realise the project.

 

The hoverboard uses two cryostats – reservoirs brimming with superconducting material, kept at -197C

Executive Vice President Lexus International, Mark Templin said: "We set out to push the boundaries of technology, design and innovation to make the impossible possible, collaborating with partners who share our passion for creating enjoyment out of motion.

“As we combined our technology and expertise, we discovered that making a hoverboard isn’t an easy process. 

"We’ve experienced highs and lows and have overcome a few challenges, but through mutual determination we have created a demonstration of our philosophy in design and technology to create Amazing in Motion."

The Lexus hoverboard film has been viewed some 733,500 times.