So how and where do you park a flying car?

Well the answer is …. It depends!

As we enter an era where smart cities and sustainable cities are more than just buzzwords, flying cars are just one of the innovative modes of transport mobility to consider. The pipe dreams from days of the Jetsons with flying cars are now our present reality. 

So in answer to the question, how and where do you park a flying car, then answer is it depends. 

Why?

Because it depends on what type of flying car it is.

Inventors and innovators have approached the concept of flying vehicles from very different angles. One approach is the VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) vehicle, more akin to a helicopter with rotating blades, that literally takes off and lands like a helicopter. But has gyrocopters that pivot according to the direction of flight. Another is the approach of transforming a traditional car designed to drive on roads on land, to literally driving and taking off into flight. And one model that has come into the limelight recently is the Klein-Vision built, BMW powered AirCar,

AirCar licence sold to China

On 27 March 2024, Klein-Vision.com sold the BMW-powered AirCar license exclusively to Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology Company in China. The financial terms remain undisclosed, yet KleinVision granted Hebei exclusive rights to produce and distribute certified AirCars in China. It is a clear strategic play in commercialising innovative mobility solutions. Hebei intends to leverage this groundbreaking technology in China. This move not only highlights China’s commitment to pioneering futuristic transportation but also sets a new benchmark for smart and sustainable cities of the future.

What Makes the AirCar Special?

Unlike traditional cars or even VTOLs, the AirCar stands out for its unique blend of efficiency, design, and functionality. 

Just like Clark Kent rapidly transforming into Superman, the Aircar can transform from a car into an aircraft in a smidge over 2 minutes.

 Here are some features that differentiate it from other types of flying cars:

• Powered by a BMW engine and normal fuel: Ensuring reliability and performance.
• 965km Range: It can soar up to 2500m, making long distances feel short.
• Dual Functionality: Seamlessly transitions from air to road, eliminating the need for parking flying cars in separate spaces.

The AirCar Takes Flight

The AirCar represents a significant leap towards making flying cars a reality. Officially certified to fly as of January 2022, the AirCar, developed by Klein-Vision combines cutting-edge technology with the reliability of BMW’s normal fuel powered engineering. Its ability to cruise at speeds up to 186mph and travel as far as 965km on a single trip sets a new standard for what we can expect from aerial transportation.

The Aircar is cleared for flying but you do need a pilot’s license to drive, fly and park this flying car!

Global Trials and User Feedback

Trials of the AirCar were conducted under rigorous conditions to ensure safety, performance, and driver/pilot satisfaction. The Aircar was created by Slovakian company, KleinVision, and co-founder Anton Zajac said they built their own airport and flight school to engage in more rigorous testing. The development process involved a phased approach, engaging with aviation authorities and prospective users across different regions. It included more than 70 hours of flight testing and over 200 takeoffs and landings to meet the requirements of stringent safety standards. In 2021, the AirCar flew for 35 minutes between two Slovakian airports, using runways for take-off and landing.These test flight trials are crucial for gathering data on its performance in various climates, urban settings, and usage scenarios.

Path to Commercial Viability

For the AirCar to transition from a groundbreaking prototype to a commercially viable product, several key factors need to be addressed. And clearly these are factors that Hebei Jianxin has and continues to assess in connection with this deal.

• Regulatory Approval: Achieving certification from aviation authorities worldwide is a cornerstone for commercial launch.
• Infrastructure Compatibility: Ensuring that cities have the necessary infrastructure for takeoff, landing, and maintenance of flying cars.
• Consumer Accessibility: Making the AirCar affordable and practical for everyday use is essential. This involves scaling production and possibly introducing various models to meet different needs and budgets.

China’s investment highlights its keen interest in leading the development of flying transport solutions, building on its groundbreaking achievements in the electric vehicle revolution.

However, the path to the widespread use of flying cars faces substantial challenges, including infrastructure needs, regulatory frameworks, and public acceptance. Aviation experts stress the importance of establishing global regulations to manage this new sector efficiently.

Excitement surrounds prototypes like the AirCar, but practical considerations, such as effective air traffic management and the creation of numerous new guidelines, ground the reality.

How does the AirCar compare to VTOLs and other tech

Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) vehicles have been the talk of the town in urban mobility discussions. However, the AirCar takes a different approach by combining aerodynamic efficiency with the practicality of road usage. It does this by the following distinguishing features:

• Efficiency in Motion: Utilizes lift generated by wings for air travel, reducing energy consumption.
• No Need for Special Launch Pads: Unlike VTOLs, it uses conventional runways and roads, simplifying integration into existing infrastructure.

Flying Cars in Australia?

As close to home, in Brisbane, there are plans to use flying electric taxis for the 2032 Olympics. As part of Australian Advanced Manufacturing, Skyportz, is planning to construct an air-taxi hub in the Moreton Bay Council area from which to operate electric air taxis in Brisbane in time for the 2032 Olympics.

Wisk Aero also signed an agreement in 2022 with the South East Queensland Council of Mayors to develop a proposal for self-flying electric air taxis to connect regional councils. To be much like an on-demand Uber.

A New Era of Aircars

The AirCar is not alone in its quest to dominate the skies. Companies like Boeing, Uber, and Airbus are also venturing into the realm of flying cars, with each bringing their unique approach to design, technology, and user experience. These developments signify a burgeoning industry set to revolutionise transport, making flying cars an integral part of future smart cities.

China’s investment in the flying car sector

Following its leadership in the electric vehicle revolution, China is now soaring into the future with significant investments in the flying car sector. This move underscores the country’s ambition to dominate next-generation transportation technologies. 

Some recent transactional examples of note include:

• Guangdong’s Zhaoqing city backed electric flying car company – Xpeng’s – expansion with an investment agreement worth 2 billion yuan
• automotive giant Geely acquired the US flying-car startup Terrafugia, marking another strategic move to position itself at the forefront of this emerging industry
• In Feb 2024, a firm called Autoflight carried out a test flight of a passenger-carrying drone between the cities of Shenzhen and Zhuhai. The journey, which takes three hours by car, was completed in 20 minutes, it said – although the aircraft contained no passengers.
• In 2023 the Chinese firm eHang was awarded a safety certificate by Chinese officials for its electric flying taxi. 

These transactions, approvals, and support demonstrate local government backing and showcase confidence in flying cars’ commercial viability in China. China’s commitment to global transportation innovation is evident through actions, projecting flying cars’ commercialization by 2025 or 2026.

Smart Cities and Sustainable Mobility

The integration of the AirCar into smart cities is not just about adding another transport option. Reimagining urban mobility integrates land, air, and sea transport for seamless transitions and unparalleled efficiency in transportation. Here’s how the AirCar fits into this vision:

• Reducing Urban Congestion: By taking to the skies, it frees up road space, easing traffic.
• Sustainable Travel: With BMW’s expertise, there’s potential for electric-powered versions, aligning with sustainable cities initiatives.
• Revolutionizing parking: The AirCar’s dual-use nature optimizes parking spaces for both ground and aerial vehicles, enhancing efficiency

Is the AirCar Environmentally Friendly?

The move towards electric propulsion is inevitable for flying cars. The current AirCar model powers a BMW engine with regular fuel. However the future of the AirCar likely includes electric variants, just like electric powered VTOLs.. This transition will be crucial for its adoption in sustainable cities, where environmental impact is a key consideration.

The recent deal licensing KleinVision AirCar technology to China marks flying cars’ imminent arrival in our cities. City planners now face the task of integrating these vehicles into urban settings, focusing on usage, parking, powering methods, and regulations for sustainability.

Flying cars, edging towards market readiness, signal an end to traditional limits on personal mobility. Successful tests, approvals, efficiency gains bring us closer to a Jetsons-like future, with flying cars enhancing accessibility in smart cities. This shift promises to transform our views on distance, convenience, and environmental sustainability.

The integration of AirCar technology into evolving smart cities previews a future of seamless, efficient mobility. A Chinese company acquiring the technology underscores China’s influence on urbanism, sparking a reassessment of urban mobility and its future. In 2024, as innovative urban designs like flying cars and sustainable cities materialize, we’re not just dreaming; we’re forging a new urban legacy.