How awesome would it be to have flying cars someday? We all must have daydreamed about a sky filled with flying cars at some point in your life, mostly when you get stuck for hours in some traffic jam.
Futurists believe that flying vehicles would become a reality by 2025.
Technology has actually advanced to the point where producing these revolutionary flying cars aren’t much a challenge. So, let’s find out more on what’s the progress in this aspect.
Near future Possibility
When the first aircraft was developed, people were initially very apprehensive of its success and practicality. But, with time, they have become a norm nowadays. Flying electric vehicles are receiving a similar kind of apprehension from people.
But, companies believe in the advancing potential technology. Since the 20th century, several flight technologies have been tested. With time, the Vertical take-off and landing ( VTOL) projects are seeing an increase in their number.
Recently, SkyDrive has collaborated with Toyota to conduct test flights of its air taxis. Klein Vision’s AirCar has recently completed its first flight, which is a dual-mode aircraft vehicle. Though a handful in numbers, firms are constantly collaborating with technologies that promise us a sky of flying objects.
List of some startups working in building flying cars:
- Alef Aeronautics
- SkyDrive Inc.
- Joby Aviation
- Aeromobil
- Lilium
- Archer Aviation
Source: https://alef.aero/story.html
Update: Alef Aeronautics Model A protype got airworthiness certificate from Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) for test flights in limited areas under experimental category. Here’s what you should know about Alef Aeronautics Model A:
- Seats: 2
- Driving range: 200miles
- Flying range: 110miles
- Powered by: Electric batteries
- Price: $300,000
- Pre-order: Open
How Will The Flying Vehicles Look Like?
There is a lot of hype and buzz going around about how flying vehicles look like. Going by the prototypes, the flying vehicles will mostly have a dual look of a car and an aircraft. Moreover, it will have features of a vehicle that can run on roads as well can fly in the sky.
Furthermore, it will be created in sizes that can land on rooftops or small spaces. This makes it easier to land vertically without depending on a runaway. The basic idea behind the design is that it can be parked in your garage.
On the other hand, some flying vehicles may look completely different from what is imagined. It all depends on the technology and its practicality. The capability for vertical take-off is the real game changer in the world of flying vehicles.
How Affordable?
Flying electric vehicles is something that cannot be considered economical as of now. The kind of engineering that is involved in creating such futuristic vehicles is obviously not budget-friendly.
Not every company has reveled their prices, but here’s a list of few:
- Alef Aeronautics Model A – $300,000 (pre-sale open)
- Klein Vision AirCar – $500,000
- AeroMobil 3.0 – $1.6 million
- Samson Switchblade – $120,000
- Ehang 184 – $3000,000
How Will They Affect The Environment?
The world is turning towards an eco-conscious travel model. As per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the transportation sector amounts to 28% of greenhouse emissions in 2021. The firms are now concentrating on alternatives that are efficient yet less damaging to the environment.
Experts claim that flying electric cars can be the next green revolution. It would also have lesser greenhouse gas emissions than the cars that run on roads. According to a study, electric air taxis, fully loaded with passengers and a pilot, will fare much better than traditional vehicles.
Even though they are found to use significant energy while taking off and landing, they can prove to be efficient when cruising. The makers are constantly studying new technologies that can help decarbonize the transportation sector.
Advantages of Flying Electric Vehicles
Flying vehicles are not just a cool and modern mode of transportation. They can have numerous advantages beyond our imagination. Considering that flying vehicles can be greener for our environment, they carry immense advantageous potential in them.
Some of the advantages of flying electric vehicles, if they ever become a reality, are-
- Ease in commuting
- Reduction in traffic congestion that can save time
- Reduced carbon footprint
- Reduction in need for building infrastructure
- Increased convenience
- Better handling of emergency situations
- Better mobility in hard-to-reach areas
Is There Actually A Need For Flying Electric Vehicles?
Flying electric vehicles have the potential to change the face of the aviation sector. They are futuristic models, sure, but they can give a new meaning to green transportation. The makers justify it by claiming that it can combat traffic congestion and help in convenient mobility.
Furthermore, ease of reaching emergency areas is the most sought-after need in developing flying vehicles. Alef Aeronautics has recently received the special airworthiness certificate to test the Armada Model Zero. We are already on our way to the giant leap toward futuristic transportation.
Conclusion
The flying vehicles might yet be hard for some to believe. But, several startups and firms, backed by investors, are continuously working to build prototypes and testing under government approval.
Considering the fact that people are now opting for sustainable transportation modes, flying electric vehicles is sure to bring a revolution.
One thing is sure; flying cars are not so far in the future.
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