Since I can remember, flying cars have been portrayed as part of the future, especially in the cinema. For a long time, the idea seemed a bit too far-fetched to ever become reality. However, that is no longer the case. The eVTOL is, as the name suggests, an electric-powered VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing) vehicle. What makes this one unique is that while there are cars that mimic aircraft, this one is an aircraft that mimics a car.
Although technically helicopters also fall under the VTOL classification, the abbreviation is used for vehicles that strive to find the balance between hovering capabilities and efficiency in forward flight. In any case, this new concept, courtesy of Urban eVTOL isn’t concerned with that. It just wants to be a car. In fact, it measures 240 inches (6,096 mm) in length and 120 inches (3,048 mm) in width, which means it can be parked in most two-car garages.
The eVTOL is motivated by an electric jetpack system, designed by Electric Jet Aircraft, owned by co-founder Pete Bitar.
Another advantage of this propulsion system is that the craft does not feature any rotor blades sticking out from the body. Even the jet clusters are neatly integrated into the body for a more streamlined design. Moreover, the electric jet system allows the Urban eVTOL to reach a top speed of 250 mph (402 km/h).
The Leo Coupe draws obvious inspiration from cars, as even the interior shares many features familiar from our favorite ground vehicles. The interior is laid out in a similar way to a car. If can seat three people, with the driver having a single seat in the middle.
When it comes out, the Leo Coupe would have a sticker price of $300,000. However, don’t rush to put down a deposit, as the vehicle still needs to undergo testing, which includes experimental certification, planned for 2023. The eVTOL Leo Coupe will be ready to hit the market by 2026.