The Race to the Future: Automotive Manufacturers Dive into the World of Electric VTOLs
In the dynamic realm of mobility, automotive manufacturers are no longer confined to designing ground vehicles alone. An exciting revolution is on the verge of conquering the airspace, with names like Hyundai, Porsche, BMW, Audi, and Geely positioning themselves at the forefront of this emerging revolution. Collaborating with partners and subsidiaries, they are delving into the development of electric VTOLs, also known as Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicles, which do not require traditional runways and are expected to be more cost-effective than conventional helicopters.
Supernal, a player navigating this rapidly evolving landscape, even aspires to launch within the next five years. The company views Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) as the missing link in the current mobility offering. AAM has the potential to transform cities by enabling more efficient routes, providing access to previously underserved and remote locations, and facilitating smoother journeys.
Of course, there are still significant obstacles to overcome, ranging from technological challenges to legal and logistical issues. Integrating AAM into intermodal transport, where different modes of transportation are combined during a single journey, requires intensive collaboration with municipalities, regulatory bodies, local businesses, and the community as a whole. Supernal acknowledges this and emphasizes the importance of developing the entire ecosystem before entering the market.
Supernal's AAM concept accommodates five people, with one person tasked with piloting the vehicle. For those dreaming of a future career as an air taxi pilot, obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is a necessary step. It's worth noting that there is currently no specific training for becoming a VTOL pilot, although a helicopter pilot license (CPL-H) is likely the most relevant, given the similar flight characteristics to a multi-engine drone.
A second consideration arises: the true cost efficiency of VTOLs becomes evident only when the pilot can be eliminated. Ultimately, the goal is for these vehicles to operate autonomously, which could significantly reduce flight costs. Whether autonomous or not, the certification of the vehicle promises to be a challenge.
In an era where the mobility industry is reaching new heights, the rise of electric VTOLs constitutes an intriguing chapter. As automotive manufacturers commit to this aerial movement, we stand on the brink of a future where urban mobility is transformed, and the sky becomes the new expressway.
