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https://thedriven.io/2024/08/12/not-just-for-the-rich-why-australia-might-be-great-place-for-electric-flying-taxis/>
"Most other vehicles in Melbourne’s exhibition hall have four wheels, but one
has eight propellers, doors that open skywards, two seats for passengers, and
no space for a pilot.
The flying car prototype, from Chinese manufacturer XPeng, is one of the first
to be shown in Australia and hints at a transport future involving self-flying,
zero-emission air taxis.
But the striking aircraft is not the only vehicle of its kind destined for
Australia, with other companies announcing plans to seek approval to fly air
taxis and develop places to land and launch, and test other uses for the flying
machines.
Aviation experts say the advances show Australia is on track to be among the
first countries to deploy the futuristic aircraft, although regulations and
safety checks may slow down the category’s mounting pace.
XPeng’s X2 prototype, known as an electric vertical take-off and landing
aircraft or eVTOL, was a surprise inclusion at Melbourne’s Electric SUV Expo
(which closes Sunday), organiser Ray Evans said.
“When’s the last time you saw
The Jetsons?” he said.
“It’s just arrived again.”
The aircraft, which will be distributed in Australia by TrueEV, features a
carbon fibre body, eight battery-powered motors, a top speed of 130 kilometres
per hour, and a flight time of 35 minutes.
It’s also designed to fly autonomously, providing take-off and landing buttons
for passengers to push.
“It’s opening up a new (market) and there’s lots of suggestions it would be
well placed here, particularly in agriculture, emergency services or just for
rich people who want to enjoy flying,” Mr Evans said.
XPeng is not the only company seeking to launch eVTOL aircraft in Australia."
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*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
