Part 5/12:
Chinese companies have already developed prototypes of hybrid drive/fly vehicles, showcasing rotors hidden within roofs that can extend for flight. These prototypes demonstrate the fundamental feasibility—lightweight designs with foldable rotors, powered by high-capacity batteries, capable of supporting short-duration flights.
Autonomous Control
Autonomous technology further accelerates the prospects. Flying cars would need to operate safely and reliably without human pilots, especially given the potential scale—tens or hundreds of millions of units globally. Tesla’s advancements in self-driving technology are pivotal here, as automation reduces the complexity and risk of airborne vehicles in dense urban environments.