In line with innovative future concepts, the Suzuki Skydrive is a flying car which could be used as an air taxi. With constant traffic jams in most Indian cities, air travel looks imminent. There have been many reports floating around suggesting that pilot programs and startups introduce drone services firstly for deliveries and then for passenger travel. The concept of Air taxi is in line with this mentality. Skydrive is a Japanese company which makes electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. It partners with Suzuki to offer this solution to the world. India will be a great place to begin.
You may also like: Maruti WagonR Flex Fuel (E85) Prototype Unveiled at Bharat Mobility Expo
Suzuki Skydrive Flying Car
We were at the ongoing Bharat Mobility Expo yesterday where we witnessed this air taxi at Maruti Suzuk’s pavilion. It looks like a drone in this concept iteration. There are 12 rotors as extensions of this concept with a helicopter-like cabin/central component. It is capable of seating 3 persons (1 pilot and 2 passengers). Moreover, it has an all-electric range of 15 km with a top air speed of 100 km/h. Hence, it would be ideal for in-city commutes. Essentially, it will be an alternative to regular taxis for extremely short distances to beat the long traffic queues.
You may also like: Tata Nexon iCNG Revealed, Debut at Bharat Mobility Expo
Taxi Fare Details
As per a previous report, it was suggested that the fare of the air taxi would surprisingly be around the same as regular taxis. It hovers around $1 (Rs 83) to $2 (Rs 166) per km. The Japanese company got investment from Suzuki to develop this on a large scale and analyse the value proposition and use cases across various countries. Since Maruti Suzuki is the largest carmaker in India, it will be a great market to test out the application of this air taxi. The launch might be as soon as 2027. SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa said, “With the surge in cars, the severe congestion and the air pollution, Indian road conditions are quickly approaching their limit. Flying cars will be a good fit for the country.”
You may also like: 5 Latest Cars of Indian Police Forces – Hyundai Creta to Tata Nexon EV
You may also like: Car Collection of The Great Khali is Simply INSANE
Author’s Note
Flying cars have been conceptualized in movies for many years now. In recent times, many new startups have also emerged with the ultimate aim of making flying cars for the masses. This revolution began with drones being tested for last-mile delivery services. Then someone thought of putting people in a bigger drone to bypass the traffic jams in large cities. Today, we are at a point where companies are developing projects specifically for humans as air taxis. We are curious to see where this revolution will head in times to come.
