Suzuki Partners with SkyDrive to Build Flying Cars in Japan

Suzuki, the Japanese multinational corporation known for its production of automobiles, motorcycles, and marine engines, is partnering with SkyDrive to manufacture flying cars at one of their plants in Japan. The facility, located in the Shizuoka Prefecture, is set to begin production by the spring of 2024. This move is part of SkyDrive’s goal to create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs as their daily transportation in Japan and across the world.

SkyDrive’s eVTOL aircraft has a unique “rotor dome” consisting of 12 rotors that enable it to travel at speeds of up to 62 mph (100 km/h). However, the model only has a range of approximately 9 miles (15 km). The plant will build a three-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

SkyDrive will establish a subsidiary to manufacture eVTOL aircraft, which will be 100% owned by them. Suzuki’s involvement seems somewhat limited, although they’ll “cooperate with SkyDrive’s manufacturing subsidiary in preparing for the start of manufacturing, including securing of human resources.”

While production is slated to begin next year, SkyDrive doesn’t expect to obtain an airworthiness certification until 2025. If everything goes according to plan, type certification will be granted in 2026, and then mass production can begin. The company also noted they’re aiming to receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration, which would enable the model to operate in the United States.

SkyDrive has been testing flying car concepts and prototypes since 2014. They originally teamed up with Suzuki last year and aim to create a future where everyone has access to eVTOLs as their daily transportation in Japan and across the world.

The Future of Transportation

The concept of flying cars has been around for decades, and it’s been a staple of science fiction for even longer. However, recent advances in technology have made it possible to turn this dream into a reality. Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are the latest innovation in transportation, and they have the potential to revolutionize the way we travel.

eVTOL aircraft are designed to take off and land vertically, eliminating the need for runways. They’re powered by electric motors, which makes them more environmentally friendly than traditional aircraft. They’re also much quieter, which means they can operate in urban areas without disturbing the peace.

The potential applications for eVTOL aircraft are vast. They could be used for personal transportation, allowing people to avoid traffic and get to their destinations faster. They could also be used for emergency services, such as transporting patients to hospitals or delivering supplies to disaster zones. And they could even be used for commercial transportation, such as shuttling people between airports and city centers.

The Road Ahead

While the idea of flying cars is exciting, there are still many challenges that need to be overcome before they become a reality. One of the biggest challenges is safety. Flying cars will need to be able to operate safely in all kinds of weather conditions and avoid collisions with other aircraft and obstacles on the ground.

Another challenge is infrastructure. Flying cars will require a network of landing pads and charging stations, which will need to be built and maintained. And there will need to be regulations in place to ensure that flying cars are operated safely and responsibly.

Despite these challenges, the future of transportation looks bright. eVTOL aircraft have the potential to revolutionize the way we travel, making it faster, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly. And with companies like SkyDrive and Suzuki working together to make flying cars a reality, it’s only a matter of time before we see them taking to the skies.