Our opinion (for years now!) that land-based transportation is obsolete, since it is limited to the two dimensions of the ground while there is an (capitalistically) untapped 3rd dimension (the air) was perhaps ridiculed; however, the moment of truth seems to be approaching. And moreover, from an underestimated quarter: China, which is climbing the ladder of technological development three steps at a time. In early January (2016), a Chinese company specializing in drones, Ehang Inc, presented at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the personal vehicle in the image, with the factory name Ehang 184. It looks like a helicopter, but it is a “passenger” drone.
The Ehang 184 is electrically powered and fully automatic. Its batteries charge in 2 hours, and it can carry 100 kilograms (one person and a small piece of luggage) flying for 23 minutes at “sea surface” altitude. Its design is to fly at a height between 300 and 500 meters above the ground, with a maximum altitude of 3.5 km, and a maximum speed of 100 km/h. The flight is automatic: via GPS the passenger determines their route (start and end), and the basic actions it has to perform are two. To press the “takeoff” and “landing” buttons. The Ehang 184 can land in any open parking…
Although the Ehang 184 is impressive, it can only be considered the “base”. Improvements in its flight autonomy (that is, its electric components) will certainly be required. The current selling price from the company is set between 200 and 300 thousand dollars; that is, it is, for now, a hobby for the ultra-wealthy. Additionally, there are not yet any aviation rules for drones (in general) and passenger drones (specifically), as well as some kind of control towers. “The world has been amazed,” as Shang Hsiao, co-founder and financial director of Ehang Inc., commented contentedly.
Surprised or not, the (aerial) road has opened. And this will cause, as it matures, a radical change in the concept and formation of cities. What will intervene in the “urban” chapter? We don’t know, but we suspect it won’t be pleasant…