The Olympics Taking Off
How eVTOL Taxis at the Olympics is the start of Air Taxis
As the Olympics are set to start, spectators may be able to see other things off the ground other than javelins, high jumpers and discs as the German eVTOL company, Volocopter is given the exclusive rights to ferry Olympic goers to and from the airport straight to the events1.
But what does this mean for the air traffic in Paris and the future of urban air mobility?
How it Works
eVTOLs, or electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, are powered by multiple electric motors and advanced battery systems. These components work together to provide the necessary thrust for vertical lift-off, similar to how helicopters operate. However, unlike helicopters that rely on a single main rotor, eVTOLs typically use several smaller rotors distributed across the aircraft which enhances stability.
Electric propulsion is another key feature of eVTOLs. Unlike conventional aircraft that burn fossil fuels, eVTOLs use electric batteries, making them quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable. Innovations in lithium-ion battery technology, have led to lighter, more powerful batteries, which are essential for achieving the necessary energy density for practical flight ranges and payload capacities.
eVTOLs often incorporate a mixture of helicopters and plans, depending on its need. By swiveling the propellers and adding a fixed wing to generate lift, these mini aircraft can be used for short city flights as well as longer intercity routes.
By incorporating fly-by-wire technology, responsible for autopilot onboard other aircraft along with developments of AI, eVTOLs aim to be for the large part, autonomous, meaning that you won’t need a pilot. However, as you might expect, this can have its own dangers. By flying autonomously, the aircraft will need an array of sensors and electronics onboard to ensure that it knows where its going, how its going to get there and more importantly, avoid any obstacles like buildings, trees or even other eVTOLs.
How would eVTOLs change urban areas?
The adoption of eVTOLs in urban areas promises to bring numerous societal benefits, transforming how we navigate our cities. One of the most significant advantages is the reduction in traffic congestion. By taking to the skies, eVTOLs can alleviate the burden on ground transportation networks, leading to faster commute times and more efficient movement of people and goods.
eVTOLs can also enhance accessibility and connectivity within cities. They can provide rapid transportation to areas that are otherwise difficult to reach due to traffic or geographical barriers, improving access to jobs, healthcare, and other essential services. This can be particularly beneficial in emergencies, where eVTOLs can offer swift medical transport, potentially saving lives. A company based in Bristol, Vertical Aerospace claims that taking one of their eVTOLs would make a trip from central London to Heathrow would only take 8 minutes, compared to the 50 minute journey2.
By enhancing the technology of eVTOLs you simultaneously advance the development of systems that are used in electric cars and even planes. We can expect faster charging, longer lasting batteries as well as cheaper systems as a whole whilst diversifying the technology so that it doesn’t become heavily reliant on certain materials. But what infrastructure do we need to develop to use these systems on a daily basis like uber and would this technology be cheap to operate?
Other than the charging ports landing pads across the city would have to be placed so that these vehicles can land safely. This has to be by dedicated ports or retrofitting rooftops to incorporate them into the design of buildings. These have to be strategically placed and it does mean that getting to specific places won’t be possible. Most likely, these will be placed in large open areas, tourist hotspots or transport hubs like airports or train stations. But this is where regulations need to come into play.
Like airplanes, these flying Ubers need to have a safe standoff distance from each other and from other aircraft near airports. Additional tracking systems throughout the city would have to be placed so that an accurate updated location can help avoid mid-air collisions. Ideally, these systems would be incorporated within the software of these eVTOLs so they can act as their own air-traffic controllers, rather than rely on human interference.
The Road Ahead for eVTOLs and Urban Mobility
The integration of eVTOLs in urban landscapes, particularly during high-profile events like the Olympics, showcases the potential of this transformative technology. While the sight of Volocopter's Volocity taxis soaring over Paris will undoubtedly capture imaginations, it also underscores the importance of addressing the infrastructural, regulatory, and technological challenges that accompany this innovation.
As we look to the future, the adoption of eVTOLs promises to reduce traffic congestion, improve urban accessibility, and enhance the efficiency of our transportation networks. However, realizing these benefits will require significant investment in infrastructure, rigorous safety standards, and robust air traffic management systems. The development of landing pads, charging stations, and advanced traffic control technologies will be critical to ensuring the safe and effective operation of eVTOLs in our cities.
Moreover, the economic and environmental impacts of eVTOLs cannot be overlooked. While the technology has the potential to reduce emissions and drive technological advancements in related fields, the initial costs and regulatory hurdles must be carefully managed to ensure equitable and sustainable integration.
Would you like to fly in an eVTOL? Let me know in the comments below,
Till then, see you next week,
Maxime
Volocopters eVTOL Air Taxi To Fly Over 2024 Olympic Games - Zag Daily
https://zagdaily.com/places/volocopters-evtol-air-taxi-to-fly-over-2024-olympic-games/
VX4 Landing Page - Vertical Aerospace
https://vertical-aerospace.com/