What about the suposed inovation for batteries, with some one reported as having potential to 10x the energy density of lithium ?
Fisker files patents on solid-state battery technology; anticipating automotive-ready from 2023 - Green Car Congress
If sodium batteries with 10x more energy became reality, and electric motors with more power per Kg also became a reality, we will have future vehicles that will be just a egg shell with wheels. In wheel motors with battery pack in the floor, and all inside space to enjoy.
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Originally Posted by redpoint5
Electric flight only makes sense for short trips (my guess is ~100 miles or less). Those distances are usually covered by ground transport, so the only reason to fly electric then would be to avoid rush hour congestion.
Mostly I think this will be a status symbol for the wealthy.
Besides all that, we have had efficient VTOL flight for decades; it's called a helicopter. There is nothing special about electric multi-rotors that make them better suited to autonomous flying compared to a helicopter. The same gyros, route finding, and sensors are used for both.
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