Is there anything more emblematic than flying cars to represent a future scenario? Mass culture has always represented this means of transport when it wanted to stage settings from the 3000s. And now it is – almost – reality. Also and especially for environmental reasons.
The global eVTOL (vertical electric take-off and landing) market is growing significantly, with forecasts that see it approaching $ 30 billion by 2030.
The premises for the dream.
Creating the vehicle is a simple matter, compared to circulation in the strict sense.
Where will these amazing flying cars fly?
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) around 2,000 feet above the ground. But above all, how will the mixed circulation between manual cars and those of the future be managed? It will be necessary to study a system of rules, as well as roads that regulate traffic that is anything but intuitive.
Another issue is the infrastructure of the roads themselves, roads designed for all the cars of yesterday. The very characteristic of the air, which by allowing greater speed and space, may not have the same difficulties as the classic roads. Also thanks to the latest technologies.
Which companies are involved?
Flying cars will be in cities by 2030, according to Hyundai CEO Michael Cole. Hyundai is developing a flying taxi in partnership with Uber. According to Cole, urban air mobility will offer a great opportunity to release congestion in cities and help with emissions.
Volkswagen China instead launched an electric vehicle that the company describes as a passenger drone prototype. Dubbed the Flying Tiger, the vehicle is Volkswagen’s first venture into aircraft design.
VMO nicknamed in honor of the Year of the Tiger, Flying Tiger (cover image) has a black and gold livery and resembles a helicopter. It has a system of motors and propellers that allow movement in two directions, vertical and horizontal.
Still thinking about passenger transport, Boeing is allocating $ 450 million to eVTOL, a fully electric and autonomous aircraft designed for passenger use.
It is therefore clear that the purchase by private individuals of an electric car is still science fiction. First of all for the prohibitive costs that it would have to be able not only to own but to manage a vehicle of that type. However, it may soon be possible to travel in a group in something very similar to a flying car.
To deepen the topic:
