Flying Cars Are Close - If We Get Out Of Our Way
Decentralized Air Rights Pave The Way
As Urban Air Mobility infrastructure evolves the global flying car market is expected to grow at 34% CAGR over the next ~8 years.
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Who Is Building
Multiple companies are building their versions of flying cars. Some have prototypes, some have completed test flights and others are still in development phase. It is hard to say who will be the winners, pre-orders do not equal success. They do indicate interest and if that translates into successful adoption of flying cars in our communities we may have several leading companies.
It is not as simple as getting one of these flying cars in the air, there are regulatory hurdles to overcome with the FAA in the US, who certify flying machines. If that hurdle is overcome then the people operating the flying cars need permission from those who own the low-altitude airspace to transit, without this they are grounded.
Flying Cars in Miami
Doroni has an electric flying car called the H1X. The H1X prototype is nearing completion, with flight testing scheduled for the end of the year. If all goes according to plan, the first commercial units could be available as early as 2025, assuming the production works out and the FAA certify it.
The H1X's redesigned airframe is optimized for enhanced aerodynamics, speed, and range. It is designed to fit in a standard two-car garage. When the flying car takes off, cruises below 500 feet and lands it will require the permission of the air rights owners in the community.
It uses joystick controls and has semi-autonomous capabilities. An operator requires a specialized license rather than a conventional pilot's certification. Safety features include anti-collision sensors, LIDAR, optic-flow cameras, and redundant fan systems, ensuring situational awareness and reliability. It has a top speed of 120 mph, a range of 60 miles, and 40-minute flight endurance.
Doroni faces the challenge of securing the funding to bring the H1X to market. With $6 million raised through crowdsource funding and plans for further financing as development progresses. As production ramps up Doroni anticipates selling six units in 2025, with plans to increase output to seven units per day.
Priced between $300,000 and $400,000 they already have 450 pre-orders signalling strong demand.
Dubai Opening Their Skies And Check Book
Dubai-based Aviterra, a player in aviation and aerospace component manufacturing, has struck a deal with PAL-V, a Dutch flying car designer, to introduce the Liberty flying car to the Middle East and Africa. Aviterra will acquire over 100 PAL-V Liberty flying cars. The list price of a single machine is $300,000.
PAL-V is expanding its global footprint by establishing regional offices to support sales, maintenance, and assembly operations for its flying car.
The PAL-V Liberty combines the functionalities of a gyroplane and a car. With a flight range of 500 km and a maximum airspeed of 180 km/h, the Liberty promises to revolutionize daily commuting and medium to long-distance travel.
Flying Car Backed By Space X
The Alef Aeronautics flying car which I have written about previously has a price tag of $300,000, with 2,850 preorders already secured. While reservations require a mere $150 deposit, refundable at any time the conversion rate to actual purchases will be interesting to see. The sizable preorder count suggests genuine interest which may translate into substantial revenue if all reservations materialize into sales. It was approved for air travel in limited locations by the FAA but still needs approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to hit the roads.
The Alef Model A features four small engines in each wheel for terrestrial travel, similar to a standard electric car. It has eight propellers strategically positioned for aerial manoeuvrability, enabling omnidirectional flight. With a cruising speed of 110 mph airborne and a restricted ground speed between 25 and 35 mph, the Model A aims to offer a seamless transition between terrestrial and aerial modes. Its design allows for mid-flight adjustments, transforming the car into a biplane configuration for enhanced stability and control.
AirCar Flying
French ‘musician’ Jean-Michel Jarre became the first passenger, embarking on two flights aboard KleinVision's AirCar in Slovakia.
The AirCar, conceived and piloted by Professor Stefan Klein transitions from a roadworthy vehicle to a flight-ready aircraft within minutes. Approved for flight in 2022 after over 200 successful takeoffs and landings, the AirCar previously became the first flying car to complete an intercity flight.
Powered by a 1.6-litre BMW engine, the AirCar achieves speeds of up to 120 mph at altitudes reaching 8,000 feet. KleinVision's co-founder Anton Zajac anticipates market readiness within a year, envisioning a transition to battery-powered propulsion as technology advances. Prospective AirCar operators must complete a specialized two-to-three-month flying course in addition to holding a driver's license.
Dubai And European Approach
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority signed agreements in February to have air taxis in the city in the next two years, while the Abu Dhabi Investment Office signed an agreement in October last year to introduce all-electric air taxi operations in 2026.
While Dubai puts its money where its mouth is in Europe people are getting in their own way.
Volocopter the electric Verticle Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) Vehicle stated that it is considering insolvency options due to its failure in securing loans from the Baden-Württemberg and Bavarian states for its aircraft development.
Volocopter had initially sought a €100-million loan from the Baden-Württemberg state and the German federal government, followed by a similar loan request from the Bavarian state and federal government. The latter proposal required Volocopter to do things that had nothing to do with developing its technology. It was required to relocate its headquarters from Bruchsal to Bavaria, a move the company would undertake gradually due to logistical reasons involving over 600 employees and facilities.
PwC wrote a report recommending Volocopter for the loan but the Bavarian state, not known as a funder of galleons deemed it too risky, contributing to Volocopter's financial strain. Are the management of Volocopter naive in relying on this sort of terrible government funding or is the reason they relied on it down to regulatory capture? The same people running and promoting Volocopter are the same crowds that have run traditional companies like Airbus and Siemens.
While exploring alternative financing avenues Volocopter remains focused on showcasing its VoloCity eVTOL aircraft at the Paris Summer Olympics, with plans to pursue EASA certification. However, the French are not keen on showcasing flying cars, with local mayors unhappy, so this route may prove futile.
Flying cars are close, and where regulators are forward-thinking there is a line of sight to commercial applications. It is not just the regulators that have a say but also the air rights holders. Individual property owners and large real estate companies who control low-altitude skies are helping the flying car industry take off.