Important Innovations

  Urban Air Taxis Becoming a Reality Source:  Vertical Aerospace Vertical Aerospace of  the UK UK flying taxi company Vertical Aerospace just announced that it has pre-orders for up to 1,000 of its zero emissions VA-X4 flying taxis from American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Avolon.  Also, Microsoft is providing the company with backing.  The pre-orders are worth $4 billion.  The electric flying taxi prototype is now in production with the first test flight slated for later this year. Tech Specs The e-VTOL takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter.  It can hit speeds of 202 mph and has a range of more than 100 miles.  VA-X4 is nearly silent during flight. It carries 4 passengers and a pilot. American Airlines has pre-ordered 250 vehicles with an option to purchase 100 more.  Dublin-based aircraft leasing company Avolon has preorders and options for 500 and Virgin Atlantic has a pre-order for 150 vehicles.  Pre-orders are conditional on certain milestones being reached, such of c

  VW Goes For Next Level Mobility - Flying Cars                            Source: Germany's Lilium Flying e-VTOL Development To Happen in China VW, the world's biggest automaker and a leader in automotive innovation, is conducting feasibility studies in China to develop flying cars.  China is the world's largest automotive market. VW's approach is precise and methodical.  VW says it is looking into potential concept flying cars and potential partners.  VW wants to "industrialize" the development of flying cars, meaning mass production, global use and major commercial and consumer impact.  The company believes that the next mobility platform beyond autonomous driving is vertical take-off and landing vehicles - flying cars. VW Flying Drone & Crowded Airspace The company wants to start the process with a drone that would be licensed as the first step in entering the flying car market. A number of companies around the world including GM, Airbus and startups l

  Cadillac e-VTOL Flying Taxi                                        GM:  e-VTOL Concept New Form of Personal Air Mobility GM surprised the world at CES 2021 by introducing a totally unexpected Cadillac personal flying machine.  It's an electric powered, autonomous e-VTOL.  The vehicle takes off and lands vertically.  It is sleek and futuristic looking.  It is a flying drone that GM calls a flying taxi.  This is not a flying car as it cannot be driven. Highly Advanced GM EV Technology GM has invested $27 billion into the development of electric vehicles.  It is utilizing its on-road electric vehicle technologies to go airborne.  The personal flying vehicle is totally powered by batteries.  GM's top of the line Ultium EV battery platform is likely to play a major role in the e-VTOL, which has zero emissions.  The four-rotor aircraft is powered by a 90 kWh electric motor.  It can reach speeds of 56 mph.  At this stage of its development, it is a one-seater and designed for short