Flying Cars: No Longer Just a Dream, but an Emerging Reality
beritapekanbaru.com -Flying cars are no longer a distant dream or just a futuristic fantasy. In recent years, numerous startup companies have been competing to develop flying vehicles, particularly electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These innovative aircraft are expected to begin commercial operations within the next one to two years in select countries. Looking further ahead, flying cars that are similar in size to conventional ground vehicles are also being developed, with projections suggesting they could become a reality within the next six to seven years.
eVTOL aircraft are specifically designed for short-range operations with high-frequency usage. Unlike traditional airplanes, they can take off and land vertically, making them highly suitable for urban air mobility solutions such as air taxis. Due to this functionality, eVTOLs are often referred to as "flying taxis." The development of eVTOL technology has been accelerating in various countries, driven in part by the growing global trend toward battery-powered electric vehicles.
Most recently, Japan’s automotive giant, Toyota, and U.S.-based electric aircraft company, Joby Aviation, have reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration by showcasing a successful eVTOL flight demonstration. The event took place at Toyota’s Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Shizuoka, Japan, on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Notable attendees included Toyota Group Chairman Akio Toyoda and Joby Aviation’s founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt.
"Air mobility has the potential to reshape our perception of distance and time, opening the door to a new future. Toyota is committed to deepening its collaboration with Joby Aviation to turn this shared dream into reality," said Hiroki Nakajima, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation, as quoted in Toyota's official press release.
Meanwhile, JoeBen Bevirt highlighted the significance of this milestone, emphasizing that the successful eVTOL flight marks a crucial step toward realizing the vision of clean and efficient air transportation. "We have bold ambitions—to transform the world and revolutionize the way people travel, just as Toyota has been doing for the past 87 years," he stated.
The Future of Air Mobility: Flying Taxis and Modular eVTOL Innovations
In this photograph taken on September 26, 2017, a prototype Volocopter conducts a test flight over the city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai, a city known for its ambitious technological advancements, hopes to one day introduce pilotless flying taxis that can seamlessly navigate its skyline of towering skyscrapers. Just this past week, the UAE’s bustling metropolis welcomed a team from the German company Volocopter, which successfully demonstrated the takeoff and landing of its fully electric, battery-powered two-seater prototype. The government of Dubai is actively working on regulations and infrastructure, aiming to establish a framework within the next five years that will allow flying taxis to operate on a regular basis.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian aerospace company Eve Air Mobility is making significant progress in the development of its eVTOL aircraft. The company expects to receive certification and launch commercial operations by 2026. So far, Eve has secured approximately 3,000 pre-orders for its aircraft, with a potential revenue projection of around $14.5 billion USD before mass production even begins.
"Eve continues to attract new investors, which serves as a testament to the unwavering confidence in our strategic plans. It also highlights the strong market interest in our eVTOL aircraft," said Eduardo Couto, Chief Financial Officer of Eve, as quoted by Reuters.
China’s XPeng Aeroht and the Modular Land-Aircraft Concept
In China, XPeng, a leading electric vehicle manufacturer, is also pushing the boundaries of aerial mobility through its aviation subsidiary, XPeng Aeroht. The company has been actively developing its eVTOL aircraft, branded as Voyager X2, which has already been showcased at multiple international exhibitions and undergone extensive flight testing.
However, XPeng’s vision extends beyond conventional eVTOL designs. The company is currently focusing on the development of a groundbreaking modular land-aircraft carrier, a revolutionary concept that merges ground vehicles with detachable flying modules.
This land-aircraft carrier consists of two main components:
- The Ground Module – a 6x6-wheeled electric vehicle designed to accommodate 4-5 passengers, functioning as a fully operational land-based transport unit.
- The Flying Module – a compact two-seater eVTOL, capable of vertical takeoff and landing, which is securely stored in the rear compartment of the ground module. This flying module can be detached and deployed at any time, allowing passengers to transition seamlessly from ground to air travel.
Looking ahead, XPeng Aeroht has ambitious commercialization plans. "By the end of 2024, we will begin accepting pre-orders in China. Mass production is expected to commence in 2026," said Fanny Tong, International Communications Senior Manager of XPeng Aeroht, during the GITEX Global 2024 technology conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Monday, October 14, 2024.
What About Indonesia? The Future of Flying Vehicles in the Archipelago
Indonesia, a nation known for its vast archipelago and growing urban centers, is also beginning to explore the potential of modular flying vehicles. The introduction of this technology could serve multiple purposes, starting with its use as a major tourist attraction. Visitors could experience breathtaking aerial views from above, creating a unique and futuristic feature in Indonesia’s travel and leisure industry.
"The second phase of implementation would involve utilizing these flying vehicles as an intercity air transport solution. In the long run, our eVTOLs or flying cars could become part of everyday transportation, allowing people to commute effortlessly—whether traveling to school, visiting another residence, or moving between business hubs in a seamless door-to-door manner," an industry representative explained. However, to make this vision a reality, comprehensive regulations, certifications, and licensing frameworks must first be established to ensure the safe and efficient operation of eVTOLs in the country.
Indonesia as an Emerging Market for Flying Taxis
At present, the primary market for eVTOLs and flying taxis remains developed nations, where advancements in urban air mobility infrastructure are progressing rapidly. However, Indonesia has started to gain attention as a promising market, particularly for transportation solutions in Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), the country’s ambitious new capital city project.
A step toward this vision was seen in the development of the Intercrus Sola aircraft, a vertical-propeller aircraft, which is a product of collaboration between PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) and PT Intercrus Aero Indonesia. Reports indicate that IKN has been identified as one of the primary locations for the future deployment of this aircraft.
This partnership was formally recognized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Bandung, West Java, on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. The agreement was signed by Jeremy Hasian Saragih, CEO of PT Intercrus Aero Indonesia, and M. Arif Faisal, Director of Commerce, Technology & Development at PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI). The signing ceremony was also witnessed by Gita Amperiawan, President Director of PTDI, as reported by Kompas on June 13, 2024.
The Intercrus Sola is designed as a multicopter aircraft, featuring vertically oriented propellers and a capacity of four passengers, with a maximum payload of 1,200 kilograms. Its propellers are strategically positioned at four corners of the vehicle, giving it a capsule-like appearance. The aircraft operates using electric power, making it an environmentally friendly mode of transport that aligns with the global push toward sustainable urban mobility.
With the rapid advancements in eVTOL technology and increasing global interest in next-generation air transportation, Indonesia is on the path to becoming an integral part of this revolution, particularly as efforts to modernize its infrastructure and urban mobility systems continue.
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