Massachusetts startup Alaka’i has unveiled a flying car concept called Skai, that could transform the future of air taxi transportation. Skai is the “first air mobility vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells” and is code-signed by BMW-owned global creative consultancy designworks.
Alaka’i is planning to test flight near its Massachusetts headquarters.
Here are some of its features:
- Like a drone, Skai is also an electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle.
- This futuristic vehicle has six rotors on the roof and can hold five people or a 1000 pound payload.
- It looks like an big drone crossed with a luxury SUV.
- Skai can also be used as cargo carriers.
- Having a range of 400 miles (644km), it could travel at up to 120mph (193kmh).
- Skai is environmentally friendly vehicle, as hydrogen developed for this flying car is produced using renewable energy.
- Hydrogen fuel cells used in Skai create electricity to power a battery and motor by mixing hydrogen and oxygen and they emit steam and water and excess energy which can also be stored in batteries.
- Until now, the development process for Skai is estimated to have cost around $15 million.
- Skai would be flown by an on-board pilot using a pair of joysticks.
Brian Morrison, Co-Founder, president and chief technology officer, Alaka’i Technologies, said, “This remarkably impressive team have come together to build on our collective experience to finally realize our singular, critical vision to launch Skai and transform transportation. Skai offers practical, real-life solutions to everything from relieving traffic congestion to delivering supplies during natural disasters. Skai is set to offer affordable, realistic applications in the commercial, private, freight, and personal air mobility markets.”
