Podcast Summary
The dream of flying cars is hindered by certification and infrastructure challenges: Despite advancements in electric aviation and eVTOLs, the lack of certification and infrastructure prevents wide implementation of autonomous human flight.
While the technology for autonomous human flight exists, the lack of certification and infrastructure prevents it from being widely implemented. This was discussed in relation to VTOLs (vertical takeoff and landing vehicles) and the dream of flying cars. Although eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles) have emerged as a solution due to the physical challenges of creating a stable flying car, they still face challenges related to infrastructure and certification. The conversation highlighted the impressive advancements in electric aviation and short-range air travel, but emphasized the need to address these fundamental issues for wider adoption.
Challenges of Flying Cars vs. Practical Solutions: Flying cars face significant challenges such as building and maintaining helipads, safety concerns, and high costs. Instead, focusing on improving existing transportation methods and streamlining business operations with solutions like Vanta's SOC 2 compliance service can lead to more significant advancements.
While flying cars or helicopters may seem like a solution to long commutes, they come with significant challenges. These challenges include the need to build and maintain helipads, safety concerns, and high costs. Furthermore, the need for these vehicles to take off and land at specific locations makes them less convenient than traditional cars. On the other hand, electric vehicles and B2B startups focusing on compliance can help streamline operations and close deals more efficiently. Vanta, for instance, offers a simple solution to achieve SOC 2 compliance, saving companies time and money. So while flying cars may be an intriguing concept, it's essential to consider the practicalities and potential drawbacks before embracing this technology. Instead, focusing on improving existing transportation methods and streamlining business operations can lead to more significant advancements.
Creating Lift with Rotated Car Sides: The company revolutionized flying car design by rotating the car 90 degrees to create lift with the sides as wings, using distributed electric propulsion and 8 independent battery systems.
The company developed a unique flying car by combining existing technologies in a new way. They designed the exterior to look like a sports car, but without traditional wings. Instead, they rotated the car 90 degrees so the sides became wings, making it a biplane. The car uses distributed electric propulsion with motors in each wheel and 8 independent battery systems. The top opens to reveal a mesh structure that provides structure and allows airflow for lift. The challenge was finding a way to fly a car shape without wings, as most flying cars have used expendable wings which add weight and limit flying time. By rotating the car, they were able to create lift with the sides as wings, making it a functional biplane. The result is a flying car that looks like a sports car on the ground and in the air, using existing technologies in a new and innovative way.
Flying car undergoes design change for aesthetic reasons: In 2024, a flying car with impressive functionality is undergoing a design change for consumer appeal, featuring software for stability and control similar to drones.
The discussed flying car, although it has been successfully flown for many years, is undergoing a design change for aesthetic reasons. The car, which is a full-scale model with the same airfoil, uses software for stability and control, making it similar to drones in that regard. The vehicle, which can transition from a car to a rotorcraft and then to a biplane, is not a drone in different modes but a combination of various technologies. The first version of this flying car is planned to carry one or one and a half passengers, depending on their size. The car, which is currently in presales, will be available to the public soon, and a larger, 4-seater version is in the works. Despite its impressive functionality, the car's appearance is considered important for consumers in 2024.
Company prioritizes first unit delivery despite high preorders: Company focuses on delivering first unit, optimizing price for mass production, and using LinkedIn's ad platform for B2B marketing
Despite unexpected high preorders for their product, a company is focusing on delivering the first unit before scaling up production. They plan to start production of the first one by the end of 2025, but there are several disclaimers, including FAA approval, funding, and execution. LinkedIn's ad platform is recommended for B2B marketing as it delivers a greater return on investment due to its large user base of senior executives. The company's product, which is currently priced at $300k, aims to be optimized and affordable for everyone, with a goal of reaching Honda or Toyota production numbers and a price of $35k or less. The speaker emphasized that the technology is there, but a lot of work needs to be done to achieve these goals.
Starship's Unique Biplane Format Enables Impressive Lift-Off Capabilities: Starship's biplane format allows for longer glides, reducing power requirement, despite less battery weight. Regulatory frameworks for private take-offs are evolving, with the US predicted to be more conservative.
SpaceX's Starship, despite having significantly less battery weight than expected due to its distributed and redundant design, can still achieve impressive lift-off capabilities through its unique biplane format. This format allows for longer gliding distances, reducing the overall power requirement. Although the FAA's view and regulatory frameworks for private take-offs in various jurisdictions are still evolving, the United States is predicted to be more conservative in its approach due to its stringent safety regulations. Starship's battery technology is not proprietary, but its efficient use sets it apart. The prototype, shown in the video, is a testament to its capabilities. Overall, Starship's innovative design and regulatory considerations make it an intriguing development in the field of space travel and urban air mobility.
Revolutionizing Long-Distance Urban Transportation with eVTOL Technology: EVTOL technology for UAM offers safer, efficient, and customer-focused transportation solutions, with Europe and Canada leading the way in adoption
The emerging eVTOL technology for urban air mobility (UAM) has the potential to revolutionize transportation, particularly for long-distance trips between major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The earliest adopters are expected to be Europe and Canada due to existing laws and infrastructure that can be adapted to. This technology is safer than traditional helicopters and addresses past safety concerns. Additionally, startups can leverage customer support tools like Zendesk to build relationships with their customers and provide efficient, VIP-like experiences, even with limited resources. This focus on customer satisfaction can lead to high customer satisfaction scores, as seen with insurance startup Openly.com. Overall, UAM presents an exciting opportunity for efficient, safe, and customer-focused transportation solutions.
The right tools and support can make a big difference in a startup's growth: Applying for Zendesk's for startups program can provide essential tools and support for 6 months, contributing to a startup's success with multiple safety measures and quick responses.
Having the right tools and support at the right time can significantly contribute to a startup's growth and success. Openly.com, a company that started with Zendesk's for startups program, is a prime example of this. They've grown so much with Zendesk's support that they recently raised $100 million in funding. Another advantage that Zendesk and similar companies have over traditional businesses is their lightweight nature. This allows for quick and safe responses to potential issues, much like how a car with ballistic parachutes can make a safe landing even at low altitudes. The multiple redundancies in software add to this safety net, making the probability of something going wrong much lower than in traditional industries. The use of ballistic parachutes as an analogy highlights the importance of having multiple safety measures in place. In the case of a car, having parachutes at all four corners would ensure a safe landing in an emergency situation. This is similar to the multiple redundancies in software, which can prevent or mitigate potential issues. In essence, having the right tools and support, as well as multiple safety measures, can make all the difference in a startup's journey to success. So, if you're a startup looking to scale with the best in customer support, apply for the Zendesk for startups program and get 6 months free at zendesk.com/startups.
The biggest expense for flying taxi project is certification: Despite the significant cost and uncertainty, a flying taxi company aims to deliver the first vehicle, secure funding, and eventually make flying taxis accessible to the public, starting with human pilots and working towards autonomous flights.
While the cost and timeline for commercializing a flying taxi project like this is significant, with a first goal of delivering the first vehicle and securing funding, the biggest expense will be certification. The exact cost and timeline are uncertain due to the evolving regulatory landscape, but the company is aiming for the US market and is currently spending significantly less than competitors. Initially, there will be no autonomous flights with human passengers, and pilots will be required. However, the technology for fully autonomous flights already exists, and it may become a reality in the long term. The ultimate goal is to revolutionize urban transportation and make flying taxis accessible to the public. The speaker is optimistic about the future of this technology and is personally invested in seeing it come to fruition within their lifetime.
Transition from horse-drawn carriages to flying cars: Safety concerns and regulatory hurdles will slow down the adoption of flying cars, but their potential benefits include reduced collision risk and three-dimensional maneuverability. Regulations must catch up with the technology for widespread adoption.
While the technology for autonomous flying cars exists, widespread adoption will be slow due to safety concerns and regulatory hurdles. The speaker compares the transition from horse-drawn carriages to automobiles, suggesting that people may initially view flying cars with skepticism. However, he argues that flying cars could be safer than traditional cars due to the reduced risk of collisions and the ability to maneuver in three dimensions. Despite the potential benefits, the speaker acknowledges that safety will be the key to mass adoption and that regulations will need to catch up with the technology. He encourages those interested in the future of flying cars to learn more and consider placing a pre-order.
