Suzuki Motor Corporation and SkyDrive Inc. have joined hands to kick off the production of flying cars at a Suzuki-owned plant in Iwata City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.
These flying cars, also known as eVTOLs, are electric and autonomous, aiming to revolutionize urban transportation.
This collaboration, initiated in June 2023, involves manufacturing the SkyDrive (SD-05 type) through SkyDrive’s subsidiary Sky Works Inc.
eVTOL: All You Need To Know
An eVTOL, or electric vertical take-off and landing flying car, is like a compact, three-seater drone that operates similarly to a helicopter. It can vertically take off and land, boasting autonomous features like Autopilot. These flying cars are envisioned to serve as “Air Taxis” in the future, providing a solution to urban traffic congestion, as reported by Autocar.
The Future of Transportation
With cities facing severe traffic congestion, the demand for personal transportation alternatives is soaring. Air taxis represent a promising solution, offering the potential to bypass traffic and provide efficient intercity commuting.
Other Players in the Game
Suzuki and SkyDrive aren’t the only ones venturing into the flying car arena. Companies like PAL-V Liberty, Hyundai, and Klein Vision are also making strides. Hyundai’s air taxi concept, based on the e-VTOL model, is expected to make its debut passenger flight in 2028.
Will The Flying Cars Arrive In India?
In India, SkyDrive has been actively developing flying cars and cargo drones since 2018. They’ve successfully tested cargo drones in mountainous regions of Japan and even developed a compact, two-seater electric flying car initially.
The collaboration with Suzuki in 2022 aimed to commercialize the tested prototype. Suzuki Motors is contributing to the development of various technologies, including weight reduction, electrification, and mass production, aligning with their policy of ‘Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, Neater’.
SkyDrive has also announced plans to test its eVTOL in Gujarat by 2027, following an agreement with the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This initiative aims to explore business opportunities outlined in the cooperation agreement with DST.
Additionally, SkyDrive has partnered with Cyient, an Indian company based in Hyderabad, to receive further technological support for the SkyDrive eVTOL’s Indian endeavors.
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