BMW says that by 2021 it will have a hydrogen-powered flying car

It is called the Skai and will be an electric flying car that will reach the market in 2021. It is manufactured by BMW and Alaka’i Technologies.

BMW says that by 2021 it will have a hydrogen-powered flying car, and it is that flying cars have been all the rage lately, and the Bavarian manufacturer, together with Alaka’i Technologies, has presented its new Skai, which was developed with the assistance of BMW Designworks.

Described as “the world’s first air mobility solution powered by hydrogen fuel cells“, the Skai is essentially a vertical take-off and landing electric vehicle.

BMW Designworks helped create the Skai’s styling, and it is a vehicle with an elegant look, featuring large windows, a glass roof and wide sliding doors. The model also has a carbon-fibre fuselage and landing skids, as well as rotating arms that swing backwards to avoid obstructions in the line of sight and vibrations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PHLDZ-DNpM

Skai Flying Car, the flying car from BMW

The interior is relatively sparse, but there are five seats arranged in a V shape to give passengers a better view of their surroundings. Speaking of passengers, they sit in seats that are capable of absorbing impacts and are fitted with four-point harnesses and what appears to be leather upholstery.

The most exclusive feature of the Skai is its powertrain, which consists of three hydrogen fuel cells that power six electric motors producing around 140 CV. This allows the aircraft to reach speeds of up to 190 km/h, but the company said that most local trips are likely to have an average speed of 137 km/h.

The Skai from BMW can be fitted with a 200-400 litre hydrogen fuel tank, which will allow the aircraft to stay aloft for up to four hours. The model can also travel up to 664 km without refuelling.

The new hydrogen flying car aims to “democratise” air transport and does not require a heliport or a runway. As a result, the model can land on rooftops, driveways and car parks.

The Skai is currently in the testing phase, and Alaka’i Technologies said the model is “ready for autonomy today”, but FAA regulations do not currently permit autonomous flight. As a result, the company will launch a piloted version first, before introducing an autonomous version that can accommodate up to five passengers. While people may be wary of an autonomous aircraft, Alaka’i Technologies said the Skai has multiple safes and a parachute.