Flying cars – Hyundai thinks they are coming soon
The car industry has stagnated in recent years. But now we are again seeing scope to innovate, adding of new features or increasing the specifications of engines. EVs are showing some improvement in that regard too. But all this aside, flying cars have always been something we have fictionalized being the future. But this may just become a reality, according to Hyundai, who have partnered with Uber. A senior Hyundai official recently talked about Hyundai’s ambition about flying cars. In today’s article will see what it is all about.
What has Hyundai developed?
Hyundai has developed an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle called the S-A1. It is around 1500mm wide and 1000mm long and has space for four passengers plus a pilot. Hyundai plans to operate the A1 autonomously in the future. It is capable of travelling at speeds of up to 289km/h and can cover a distance of 96km on one charge.
Role of Uber
Uber is using its information about passenger journeys and pick-up/drop-off locations on the roads to help determine the most efficient locations. These locations will serve as a hub called Skyports for vehicles. Uber is also helping to introduce the technology that will allow customers to manage bookings of S-A1 flying taxis.
Competition
Hyundai isn’t the only car company working on eVTOLs. Airbus is working with a subsidiary of Audi. Toyota has filed a patent for a dual-mode car. Daimler has also reportedly invested some amount in this tech. A lot of firms have received investments from people like Larry Page and Martin Warner. Virgin Atlantic has already ordered 150 eVTOLs from Vertical Aerospace. The flying car industry is expected to be worth $1.5 trillion by 2040.
Expected timeline
With the rapid development of quad-copter drones in recent years, Hyundai believes many people can see the potential for scaled-up versions designed for human passengers. Currently, aviation authorities have yet to give the required certification for this eVTOL, but developers are confident that authorization will be given soon. Hyundai thinks at this pace, we will see flying cars by the end of this decade.
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