Part 8/12:
Already, prototypes such as Chinese-designed rotor vehicles that fold and deploy for flight demonstrate that the technology is viable. With a battery of approximately 160 kWh, such vehicles could weigh less than 1,800 kg and support around 10-minute flights with a range of approximately 100 km—more than sufficient for urban commutes.
Scaling and Regulation
Musk predicts that by 2035, mass production of flying cars could reach millions of units globally. This entails a phased approach:
Prototype Demonstrations (Years 1–3): Showcasing functional prototypes, boosting public and regulatory confidence.
Initial Commercialization (Years 4–6): Selling limited, high-end models, focusing on affluent early adopters.