Welcome to the future, a time where science fiction has become reality and the dream of flying cars is no longer just a figment of our imagination.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take you on a journey through the latest top models and technologies in the world of flying cars.
We take a deep dive into the mechanics of how these vehicles operate, the challenges they face with FAA certification, and what it would take for you to personally operate one.
Over the past decade, the race to bring flying cars to the market has accelerated at an unprecedented rate.
With numerous companies vying to revolutionize transportation, we are now seeing the birth of a new era in mobility.
From personal air vehicles (PAVs) to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the sky is no longer the limit.
Doroni H1 – Flying Cars With Roadster Genes
Cost: US$350,000.
Launch date: early 2025
Top Speed: 140 mph (225km/h)
Range: 60 Miles (100km)
The Doroni H1 is a luxury roadster developed by US-based flying car company, Doroni Aerospace. This 2-seater flying car, which is expected to launch in early 2025, offers robust capabilities, including a 500-lb payload capacity.
Built with support from original aviation equipment manufacturers that include Honeywell Aerospace, Garmin, and Amphenol, the company hopes to extend its range limit to nearly 120 miles and possibly increase maximum velocity, depending on regulatory and certification restraints.
How Does the Doroni H1 Flying Car Work?
The Doroni H1 leverages advanced fly-by-wire control systems, which allow the aircraft’s flight controls to be operated electronically. Its compact size enables it to fit into a standard two-car garage and even be towed on a trailer, making it incredibly convenient for personal use.
The aircraft’s ducted propellers feature louvers designed to protect passengers and ground crew from exposure and help keep out flying objects.
Design and Specifications
The Doroni H1 is designed with user convenience and safety in mind. It features a centrally positioned passenger and pilot module flanked by forward and rear wings, each fitted with two encased rotors.
The aircraft’s cruise speed is 100 mph (161 km/h) with a range of 60 miles (97 km) and a flight time of 40 minutes. The H1 flying car is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 500 lb (227 kg), making it suitable for light freight deliveries as well as personal transportation.
Licensing and Training Requirements
Operating the Doroni H1 requires a driver’s license and completion of a 20-hour training course provided by the company.
The training ensures that pilots are well-versed in the operation of the aircraft, promoting safe and responsible usage.
Despite the advanced technology, the company emphasizes that the aircraft will be easy to operate, even suggesting it could be simpler than driving a car.
Aska A5
Cost: US$600,000. (second edition)
Launch date: early 2026
Top Speed: 150 mph (241km/h)
Range: 250 Miles (400 km)
The Aska A5 debuted at CES 2023, is a fully functional prototype that has been hailed as the world’s first drive-and-fly eVTOL vehicle. It can take off vertically using its six tilt-rotor propellers and can travel up to 250 miles by air.
No longer will individuals have to rely on multiple modes of transport for their journey – the Aska A5 serves as a one-stop solution, enabling users to drive, fly, and then drive to their destination without interruption.
Boasting a luxurious interior and roughly the size of an SUV, the A5 is designed to provide a comfortable ride for up to four passengers, including the pilot.
Its gasoline engine, running on premium fuel, works as a range extender for its electric power, making it a truly versatile vehicle. The A5 is expected to be commercially available by 2026, subject to certification approvals.
Design and Specifications
Designed with aerodynamics in mind, the Aska A5 features a sleek body that resembles an SUV in its ground configuration.
It employs in-wheel motor technology, enabling better aerodynamics and creating additional interior space.
The wheels are located outside the fuselage, facilitating adequate ground clearance for short takeoff and landing (STOL). Furthermore, it has large wings optimized for safe landings and reduced energy consumption.
The Aska A5 is not just a flying car; it’s a smart flying car. It embodies the intersection of automotive technology and aerospace innovation. Using today’s infrastructure, the vehicle seamlessly integrates into cities and outlying communities.
See the first fully-functional prototype of the ASKA™ A5 electric drive and fly Vertical Takeoff and Landing #eVTOL vehicle https://t.co/LrZ2lXm6th
— ASKA™ drive and fly eVTOL (@ASKAFLY) February 21, 2023
You can park this vehicle in any existing space and power it up at your home or a designated EV charging station. Furthermore, its advanced onboard navigation will provide a seamless journey on land and in the air, guaranteeing an effortless ride all the way.
Obtaining a License to Fly
Operating the Aska A5 requires a pilot’s license or appropriate training, as it falls under the category of an aircraft. Aspiring owners will need to undergo the necessary flight training and obtain the required certifications to ensure the safe and responsible operation of the vehicle.
Joby S4
Cost: US$1,300,000.
Launch date: 2024
Top Speed: 205 mph (330 km/h)
Range: 150 Miles (241 km)
The Joby S4 is another impressive model in the world of flying cars. This eVTOL aircraft is powered by Thunderstrike Hydrogen Turbogenerator, making it the world’s fastest electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
The S4 boasts a top speed of 360 kph (225 mph) and a range of 300 km (188 miles), offering unprecedented efficiency and performance in the realm of personal air travel, although Joby seems to have its sights on the flying taxis market.
The Joby S4 is more than just a flying car—it’s a vision of the future of transportation, with a high probability of being the reigning king of air taxis, or as Joby puts it, Electrical Aerial Ridesharing.
The flying cars’ electric power and vertical takeoff and landing capabilities make them an efficient and versatile tool for urban mobility. Imagine bypassing traffic jams and reducing your commuting time significantly.
The S4’s impressive speed allows for rapid transit, whether you’re traveling within the city or between nearby cities. Additionally, as an electric vehicle, the S4 contributes to reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution, making our cities more livable.
Design and Appearance
At first glance, the Joby S4 looks, unlike any vehicle you’ve seen before. It combines traditional carbon-fiber wing and control surfaces with six electric tiltrotors—two on each wing and two on its V-tail.
The motors not only drive the propellers, they also control the engines’ tilt and propeller pitch and run the coolant pumps. It’s a design that is as functional as it is futuristic.
Autonomous Flight Capabilities
The Joby S4 is designed to be flown by a pilot, but it also has the capability to operate autonomously. This means that in the future, we could see fleets of S4s flying passengers without the need for a pilot on board.
Autonomous flight has the potential to revolutionize transportation, improving efficiency and reducing human error.
With their recent FAA certifications, Joby can now officially begin operating its air taxi service, but it still needs to receive two other FAA certificates before it can legally carry passengers.
Also, you might want to note that Uber provided a $75 million investment into Joby, so we’re excited to see where this is going.
SkyDrive eVTOL
Cost: US$1,500,000.
Launch date: 2025
Top Speed: 62 mph (100 km/h)
Range: 12-19 Miles (20 to 30 km)
Designed and developed by SkyDrive Inc., this flying car company is based in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The company, founded in July 2018, has embarked on a mission to lead the once-in-a-century mobility revolution by developing flying cars and cargo drones.
In less than two years, SkyDrive has achieved significant milestones, including manned test flights, illustrating its commitment to making flying cars a reality.
The benefits of the SkyDrive eVTOL extend beyond just the cool factor of owning a flying car. Its compact size is akin to an automobile, making it an ideal solution for crowded cities where space is limited.
The electric motors make these vehicles quieter and more environmentally friendly, reducing carbon footprints. In addition to this, SkyDrive aims for energy efficiency superior to traditional helicopters or small aircraft.
SkyDrive’s flying car utilizes advanced aerodynamics and electrical systems to achieve vertical take-off and landing, similar to a helicopter. But unlike helicopters, SkyDrive’s eVTOL is powered by electric motors, which drive multiple rotors strategically placed around the vehicle.
These rotors provide lift and directional control, allowing the vehicle to ascend, descend, hover, and maneuver in any direction.
SkyDrive’s eVTOL stands out for several key features. One of them is its compact size, measuring just 4 meters (13 feet) square with a height of 1.5 meters (5 feet). This makes it ideal for dense urban environments like Tokyo, where space is at a premium.
Despite its compact size, it can comfortably accommodate two passengers, making it a viable option for personal transportation or air taxi services.
Mountain hotels that currently rely on expensive helicopter services to transport luggage and supplies could find a more cost-effective solution in the form of SkyDrive eVTOL cargo drones. The possibilities are endless, and as the technology matures, we can expect to see even more innovative use cases.
Blackfly
Cost: About the cost of an SUV, so we’re saying under US$100,000.
Launch date: Pre-production models already happening.
Top Speed: 62 mph (limited) (99.78 kph)
Range: 20+ Miles (32 km)
We previously gave a shout-out to this darling little one-seater, Personal Aerial Vehicle (PAV) (link) and we see so many applications for this single-person vehicle that it’s time to once again revisit one of our personal faves.
Unveiled on July 12, 2018, the BlackFly meets FAA Part 103 ultralight standards. It’s not a tilt-wing or tiltrotor design; instead, the entire aircraft pitches.
With its eight propulsion units and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) capabilities, it allows for easy and efficient travel from one point to another.
This innovative vehicle has caught the world’s attention with its potential to transform the future of aviation and personal transportation.
Imagine living on a dude ranch in Montana, and you need to borrow a cup of sugar from the neighbor – who happens to be 10 miles away. Roll the Blackfly out of the barn, and you’re back enjoying your coffee in a matter of minutes.
The BlackFly is powered exclusively by onboard batteries, allowing for a flight time of about 30 minutes and reaching heights of up to 1,200 feet.
You control it using an intuitive joystick and fly-by-wire electrical controls. The aircraft’s unique design and state-of-the-art technology allow it to take off vertically and move forward at a cruising speed of 60 mph in the U.S.
Control Systems
The BlackFly employs a fly-by-wire electrical control system operated through an intuitive joystick. This user-friendly interface makes it easy for anyone to operate the vehicle.
The aircraft also features software flight-envelope protection, geofence capability, and real-time alerts and notifications to ensure the safest flying experience.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for the Opener, the manufacturer of BlackFly. The flying car is equipped with triple-modular redundant flight systems, control surfaces, and sensors.
There are also redundant motors, elevons, and batteries. Furthermore, the BlackFly has an optional ballistic parachute system for emergency situations.
An auto-land feature, fault-tolerant design, and isolated distributed battery system further contribute to its robust safety profile. Call us the nervous type, but we’d opt for the ballistic parachute. Makes us wonder why this isn’t on every flying car.
Obtaining a Pilot License
In the U.S., the BlackFly falls under the category of ultralight vehicles, for which no pilot license is required. However, Canada requires an ultralight pilot license to operate the BlackFly.
While no formal training is required in the U.S., Opener recommends comprehensive training to ensure the safe operation of the aircraft. In Canada, an ultralight pilot license is mandatory.
Navigating in the Air
While in the air, the pilot can navigate the BlackFly using the joystick and fly-by-wire electrical controls. The aircraft has a maximum speed of 60 mph (limited, USA) and can reach a maximum height of about 1,200 feet.
So yes, get the emergency parachute just in case. Remember when Fabio hit a goose in the air? And that was just riding on a roller-coaster!
PAL-V LIBERTY
Cost: US$400,000 – US$600,000.
Launch date: Production-ready
Top Speed: Drive mode- 100 mph (160 km/h) Flight Speed: 111 mph (180 km/h)
Range: 250- 300 Miles (400-500 km)
Here we get a taste of Dutch engineering, a standard we hold high, just like the Dutch Michelin-starred restaurants we visited. The PAL-V LIBERTY is a unique blend of proven aviation and automotive technologies, designed to offer the safety, convenience, and freedom of both road and air travel.
The vehicle is not just an aircraft or a car – it’s both. Its ability to drive on roads means it is not restricted by weather conditions, while its ability to fly offers unparalleled speed and efficiency.
Vehicle Design and Features
The PAL-V LIBERTY is a three-wheeled vehicle powered by a Rotax 912 engine, one of the most used power sources in General Aviation. It runs on regular automotive petrol, making refueling as simple as stopping at the nearest gas station.
Despite its innovative capabilities, the Liberty weighs in at just 664 kg, making it energy efficient to become airborne. This is achieved using very lightweight yet strong materials such as aviation-grade metals and high-tech composites.
Pilots can navigate using both visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR), offering flexibility in various weather conditions. The vehicle also incorporates advanced avionics systems to assist with navigation and control.
Licensing and Training Requirements
While the PAL-V LIBERTY is designed to be user-friendly, operating it requires specialized training and licensing. Pilots must obtain both a driver’s license and a private pilot’s license. In addition, they must complete a comprehensive training program that covers both ground and flight operations.
Tourism and Recreation
The PAL-V LIBERTY opens up exciting opportunities for tourism and recreational activities. Imagine exploring breathtaking landscapes from the sky or embarking on a scenic road trip that seamlessly transitions into an airborne adventure.
The liberty of flying cars could redefine how we experience travel and leisure, offering unparalleled freedom and flexibility.
EHang 184
Cost: US$340,000.
Launch date: Already in production
Top Speed: 62 mph (100 km/h)
Range: 16-22 Miles (30–40 km) Flight time around 21 minutes
The EHang Flying Car, also known as an autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV), is a groundbreaking innovation from EHang, a technology platform company based in China.
The company has been pioneering the future of all-electric aerial transportation through various proprietary products and services, with the two-seater EH216 being one of its most notable flying car models.
Overview of the Technology: Auto-Pilot
The EHang Flying Car is equipped with advanced technology to ensure an efficient and safe flight experience. Passengers select their destination from available options displayed on a 12-inch control panel, and the vehicle takes care of the rest.
The autopilot and flight control system gathers data from various sensors and uses advanced algorithms to make intelligent navigation decisions.
The use of electric power not only reduces environmental harm but also allows the aircraft to be fully charged in two hours. The charging devices can communicate in real-time with the aircraft Battery Management System (BMS).
Safety Features and Regulations
The Fail-Safe safety system serves as a reliable guardian by equipping itself with multiple-redundant protection plans. It monitors each airborne device, acquires its operating status and health condition, and then transmits the information back to the command-and-control system.
In case of any abnormal condition, the smoothest route is selected and executed based on the preset algorithm logic to safely take the passenger to the destination.
According to EHang, the EH216 model has entered the final phase of Demonstration and Verification of Compliance with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
More than 90% of the entire type certification (TC) process has been completed, which is believed to be the fastest progress among all TC projects of electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft worldwide.
Licensing and Training Requirements
The beauty of the EHang Flying Car is its autonomous nature, eliminating the possibility of failure or malfunction caused by man-made errors. This means that passengers do not need extensive training or a pilot’s license to operate the vehicle.
They can simply sit back and enjoy the journey, free from worry about controlling or operating the aircraft.
Think of this as a fun Disneyland ride but instead of a high school kid at a summer job pulling the levers, you get a sophisticated command-and-control center using AI to monitor your safety.
Alef Model A
Cost: US$300,000.
Launch date: 2025
Top Speed: Drive mode – 25 mph (40 km) Flight Speed: 260 mph (418 km/h)
Range: 200 Miles driving (300 km) Flight range 110 miles (177 km)
The Alef Model A is a pioneering vehicle that pushes the boundaries of what we perceive as possible in the realm of transportation. It’s a fully electric vehicle that can drive like a conventional car and also take off and land vertically, much like a helicopter.
This groundbreaking vehicle was unveiled to the public in October 2022, and pre-orders began shortly after for a price tag of $300,000.
Now here’s the really cool part of this flying car. The car launches into the air, tipping to a ninety-degree angle so the top is pointing forward, and then hurtles through the sky at a maximum speed of two hundred and sixty miles per hour.
Then, the bubble-like compartment in its center rotates on an axis, enabling up to two passengers to swivel and face the path ahead.
The company dubs this vehicle “low speed” since its top speed of 25 mph won’t get you on the expressway. The designers point out that if you’re in a hurry, it’s best to just take to the skies! ‘Nuff said.
Its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities mean it doesn’t require a runway, enabling it to operate in crowded urban environments.
Moreover, with a driving range of 200 miles and a flight range of 110 miles, it provides a solution to long-distance travel without the need for frequent refueling or recharging.
Getting a License for the Alef Flying Car
Driving – or should we say flying – an Alef Model A will require a new form of licensing beyond a standard driver’s license.
Potential owners may have to obtain a Part 107 drone license or similar certification to operate the vehicle in the air. As regulations continue to evolve, so too will the requirements for piloting such vehicles.
Klein Vision Flying Car
Cost: US$550,000. – US$1,100,000.
Launch date: Deliveries late 2023
Top Speed: 118 mph (190 km/h)
Range: 620 Miles (1000 km)
The Klein Vision Flying Car, officially named AirCar, is a transformative automobile that doubles as an aircraft. The development of this innovative machine took over 30 years under the supervision of Professor Stefan Klein and his company, Klein Vision.
The AirCar has recently achieved a significant milestone by receiving an official Certificate of Airworthiness from the Slovak Transport Authority, following 70 hours of rigorous testing.
Klein Vision claims that the AirCar demonstrated extraordinary stability during these challenging tests, even managing to take off and land without the pilot touching the controls.
AirCar Klein Vision from KleinVision on Vimeo.
The primary advantage of the Klein Vision Flying Car is its dual functionality, which allows it to be used both as a car and an aircraft.
Transitioning from Car to Plane Mode
The transition from car to plane mode in the AirCar is as astonishing as it is efficient. With just a push of a button, the vehicle transforms from a sports car into an aircraft in approximately two minutes and 15 seconds.
This transformation was showcased when Professor Klein completed a 35-minute flight between Slovakia’s Nitra and Bratislava airports. After landing, he retracted the wings and drove the vehicle into the city center.
Licensing Requirements
Given its complexity and unique capabilities, operating the AirCar requires more than just a driver’s license.
According to a spokesperson from Klein Vision, only licensed pilots will be eligible to fly the AirCar. This indicates the need for extensive training and certification to ensure the safe operation of this dual-mode vehicle.
Conclusion
As we look toward the future, we can only imagine the endless possibilities that await us in the world of transportation and taking a little stress out of our lives, avoiding freeway traffic.
If you’re looking for all things luxury in a car brand that drives outside the lines, then you’ll want to check out these luxury car brand residences as well.
These flying cars have the potential to reshape our cities and revolutionize the way we travel, explore nature, and even handle emergencies in remote areas. While there are still challenges to overcome, the potential of flying cars to transform our transportation systems is undeniable.
