Uber continues to force flying cars, these countries are expected to take the lead in commercial use [full text]

Dynamic optimization technology with the performance of conventional cars, as well as people's living standards improved, increasing car ownership. However, the popularization of traditional cars has also brought many problems, such as road congestion, air pollution, etc., making the development of new technologies also continue to advance. In recent years, the automotive industry is accelerating its transformation and upgrading into new energy and autonomous driving, becoming the focus of the industry.

However, while many technology Internet giants are eyeing the blue ocean tiger of autonomous driving, Uber's ambitions are not limited to this, but are looking at the more sci-fi flying car field and launching a comprehensive layout. Recently, according to foreign media reports, Uber began to discuss the development and application of flying cars with the Australian government, hoping to provide flying taxi services to major Australian cities within five years.

In addition to Australia, Japan is also a country where Uber may launch flying cars. It is reported that Japan is stepping up efforts to promote the development of the flying car industry and plans to establish an alliance of 20 companies including Uber, Airbus, Boeing, ANA, Japan Airlines, Yamato, and Cartivator to accelerate the commercialization of flying cars Landing.

Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroyuki Shige stated, "Flying cars can alleviate urban traffic congestion, help remote islands or mountains in the event of disasters, and can also be used in tourism."

In addition, Uber has also reached cooperation with the governments of Dallas, United States and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, so that flying cars can be commercialized. The company claims that it hopes to build a flying car network, so that these flying cars can have many advantages of helicopters, but it shows a more convenient, cost-effective application performance than helicopters.

At the second annual Elevate Summit, Uber disclosed its flying car prototype. The prototype is closer to a drone, with four rotors on the wings. According to reports, the flying car will not make much noise when flying at a height of 1,000 to 2,000 feet. It is quieter than a helicopter, and only a heavy truck passes half the volume when passing nearby.

In terms of price, Uber said that at the beginning, the company's flying car price will not be too high, and within the same distance, passengers should pay the same fees as Uber Black. When the flying car service is popular enough to obtain a large number of passengers, the cost is expected to continue to decrease, thereby bringing greater benefits to consumers.

In the new situation where the development of flying cars is heating up, not only Uber, but also international giants and start-ups such as Google, Boeing, Airbus, Toyota, AeroMobil have entered the market, trying to take the lead in development. In addition, Tencent, one of China's three BAT giants, has also deployed in this area. Domestic auto giant Geely has also acquired Terrafugia, an American flying car company.

The reason why it can be favored by many industry giants is that the application advantage of flying cars is the main reason. Flying cars can be used not only for civilian use, but also for military use. Moreover, once the flying car is put into large-scale commercial use in the future, it will alleviate the increasingly severe traffic congestion situation and change people's travel pattern.

Specifically, first, flying cars are more convenient and can achieve low-altitude flight, and the flying speed is much faster than cars; second, flying cars are more flexible and can switch operating modes in time to achieve dual use of land and air; third, flying cars are practical Strong sex, compared to the general flight is less susceptible to weather, can also use the car mode to avoid danger in bad weather.

At present, the urbanization process continues to advance. The problem of road congestion still haunts the management department and traffic participants, and flying cars may become the key to solving the traffic dilemma. Once a breakthrough is made in battery technology, the flying car is expected to achieve pure electricization, while maintaining a high battery life, it can reduce noise and reduce environmental pollution.

From the perspective of commercialization, many companies regard air taxis as the primary commercial scenario for flying cars. The application of flying taxis, on the one hand, can alleviate the pressure of urban transportation and facilitate citizens to travel, on the other hand, it can also speed up the commercial use of flying cars. With the continuous improvement of laws, regulations, transportation facilities and technical level, flying cars are expected to usher in a broader market prospect.