JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Israeli start-up company AIR has been test-flying its first flying electric vehicle, designed to fly commuters above crowded traffic. The flying car, dubbed AIR ONE, has been making unmanned flights in the desert region near Beersheva. The car is geared to carry two people and will be able to fly 100 miles (160 km) on a single charge, making it a commuting option for most Israelis. The car is one of a number of eVTOLs (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) set to transform commuting around the world as they can take off and land on almost any surface.
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“This is a major milestone,” said CEO and co-founder Rani Plaut. “We have transitioned today to forward flight … bringing (closer) our dream of mass production of the AIR ONE.”
The next level of testing for the airborne car, set to be on the markets at the end of 2024 with an initial price tag of $150,000, is to make flights with people aboard. The car-plane can reach up to 250 km per hour but average speed would be 100 miles per hour (160 kph) at an altitude of 366m (1200 feet).
Actually, there was a flying car which was demonstrated back in the 1950’s, on an American television show called “You Asked For It”. The host was Art Baker, and he showed a car, which converted to a flying vehicle. Unfortunately, the idea never progressed, beyond an experimental stage.
Sorry looks more like a one seater plane then a car
Looks more like a mini helicopter, where does it land. Also there are no highway lanes up there, how do you make sure these things don’t smash into each other.
I’m holding out until they release the model that turns into a briefcase.
Great. Probably missed the Black Friday deal.