Finally, after years in development, billions spent on research, setbacks, progress, fanfare, and hoopla, it can truly be said that flying cars will be perfected and available for purchase – in just a few years. That is, if all goes as planned.
The concept of flying cars certainly is not a new one. They’ve appeared in science fiction movies and books for many decades, probably the most famous of them being the futuristic cartoon show “The Jetsons,” which first aired on TV screens in 1962. They’ve also been discussed in the boardrooms of start-ups and auto giants only to be delayed because the necessary technology was not yet available or because development costs were too high or because their projected final cost would have been out of range for most consumers.
But the latest flurry of activity appears to be the real thing. Virtually every auto company is working hard to develop one. According to the website Constellium.com, “nearly 20 companies around the world have entered the race to build a flying car. The movement is attracting startups, established car and airplane manufacturers, and tech companies such as Google.” Even a start-up called AeroMobil, founded in Slovakia in 2010, has joined the crowd.
Actually, Constellium’s estimate of the number of companies in this race may be incredibly conservative. Another website, alts.com, says “there are 350 organizations in 48 countries that are designing, building or flying eVTOLs according to the Vertical Flight Society.” At the same time, savvy investors also know a good thing when they see one and they too are getting into the act – pumping billions into companies and projects, working with regulators, and helping vehicles pass rigorous testing.
Their Time Has Come
Conventional vehicles have and will continue to serve a crucial role in transportation, delivery, emergency response, and more. But their time is slowly giving way to a newer and better technology: flying cars.
So what’s so great about flying cars? A lot of things, and topping that list is that they will reduce intolerable traffic congestion without the humongous expenses of building new roads and bridges. Currently, roads and highways around the country are so packed with cars and trucks that during rush hour, a trip of only a few miles often takes an hour or more. In addition, the drive is also unpleasant, tiring, and frustrating and, when adding the cost of gas, tolls, and parking, quite expensive. Flying cars can make trips exciting and enjoyable.
In addition, since flying cars would use state-of-the-art technology, they would be environmentally friendly, an important benefit considering the massive amount of pollution that is emitted by conventional vehicles. They could also provide access to remote and mountainous areas that would otherwise be inaccessible. And they could even serve as rescue and delivery vehicles in emergency situations such as high-rise fires, for which conventional autos would not be useful or deliver urgently-needed medicine or equipment. And, if these benefits were not enough, they would also reduce noise pollution, which is an inescapable challenge for people living in cities and large towns.
Getting Closer
The era of flying cars came a step closer to reality in December, when Honda’s CEO Toshihiro Mibe said his company’s vision was to create a flying car “that was not just futuristic, but also practical, safe and sustainable.” And then he put that vehicle on display. It’s called the “Aspire.”
The Aspire was designed for urban use. It uses electric power, which makes it both environmentally friendly and quiet, and has VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing technology) so it can lift off like a helicopter – an important feature in congested areas. Moreover, the compact design enables it to fit into standard parking spaces.
The Aspire can travel 200 miles on a single charge, fly at speeds up to 180 MPH, and according to Honda, has “multiple failsafe systems.” Honda will market this car as a way to make cities cleaner, quieter and more efficient. And most amazing is the price tag: just $4,999!
Surprisingly Tesla, which has been a leader in innovation, is still not selling a flying car, and it’s not certain whether the company is planning to any time soon. On the one hand, CEO Elon Musk has hinted at the possibility of a flying Tesla Roadster in the future. But he has also spoken about the challenging economics of such a project and about certain technical, safety, and regulatory issues that still need to be worked out. As of December 2024, no flying cars were in production.
Ready, Set, Go
The flying car industry is off to a slow start, but this doesn’t reflect a lack of interest by consumers as evidenced by the numerous companies that either already have or are planning to jump into this market. One of these is San Mateo (Cal.)-based Alef Aeronautics.
An article appearing on Zero Hedge in March reported that Alef had received 2,850 pre-orders for its two-seater flying car, and this Tesla-backed firm is also working on a four-seater model that may be available by 2035.
Meanwhile, “Competitors like Joby Aviation and Lithium are also advancing in the eVTOL market, focusing on developing flying taxis and partnerships to facilitate urban air mobility, indicating a growing industry trend towards airborne personal transport,” says Zero Hedge. Bottom line: A lot is happening with flying cars even though the industry still has not yet gotten substantially off the ground.
There is a curious feature about new technology companies. Every one offers the potential of making both the workplace easier and life more fun. But then something happens. Suddenly, the product doesn’t work the way it’s intended to, users suffer losses, and the bad guys responsible for these mess-ups often make a bundle. If history is any guide, this pattern may unfold with flying cars too, just as it did with cell phones, software, and PCs.
There’s also a concern that flying cars might be used to smuggle illegal drugs or other contraband, assist criminals or even terrorists, or used for other crimes. And the bad guys would be able to make their getaway in the blink of an eye. A bit worrisome, to say the least.
But certainly, initially they will help people in numerous ways. To date, there are no flying car pure plays trading on the market. Over time that may change, and if it does, some investors who get in early may sing “Happy Days Are Here Again.”
Sources: AI Overview; alts.com; constellium.com; zerohedge.com; YouTube: Honda CEO Releases First $4,999 Flying That Changes Everything
Gerald Harris is a financial and feature writer. Gerald can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.