SkyDrive and Suzuki Are Teaming Up to Launch a Fleet of ‘Flying Car’ Air Taxis by 2025

Demetrius Simms
·2 min read

Back in 2020, Japanese startup SkyDrive announced plans to turn its first flying car prototype into a commercial model by 2023. Now, a new partnership could bring the Jetsons-style aircraft to the skies (and roads) in even bigger numbers.

The company announced a high-flying collab with Suzuki this week, which would see the vehicle turn into a fleet of air taxis by 2025. Dubbed the SD-XX, the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft will be presented at that year’s World Exposition in Osaka, Japan. The companies say they will work together on planning the manufacturing and selecting mass-production systems, as well as technology research and development.

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Unlike traditional eVTOL aircrafts that need to take off and land in fixed locations, the SD-XX will allow pilots to land and then actually drive away. The vehicle’s relatively small footprint helps make that possible: It’s just 13 feet long, 11.5 feet wide and 5 feet tall. The two-seater features eight propellers that help it fly 1,640 feet above ground at 62 mph for 12 miles. There’s also a more efficient cruise speed option of 37 mph for up to 20 miles. (SkyDrive also tested out a one-seat alternative dubbed the SD-03 last August.)

The SkyDrive SDXX is a two-passenger electric flying car that will have a top speed of 62 mph and range of 12 miles. At 37 mph, the range extends to 20 miles, making it a viable commuter vehicle. - Credit: SkyDrive
The SkyDrive SDXX is a two-passenger electric flying car that will have a top speed of 62 mph and range of 12 miles. At 37 mph, the range extends to 20 miles, making it a viable commuter vehicle. - Credit: SkyDrive

SkyDrive

SkyDrive, which launched in 2018, is backed by Toyota, Fujitsu and Panasonic, among other tech firms. Beyond its underwriters, the company has also been working closely with the Japanese government to bring its air taxi vision to life. Additionally, its collaboration with Suzuki gives one of the country’s leading carmakers and motorcycle manufacturers the chance to expand its own business. “The partnership with SkyDrive will provide Suzuki with opportunities to explore and potentially add flying cars as a fourth mobility business,” Suzuki said in a statement.

It’s hard to fathom now, but the concept of flying cars has been around for more than 100 years. In fact, the first, the Curtiss Autoplane, was introduced in 1917. Hey, it only took 106 years to make the dream a reality.

To learn more about the collab, visit the SkyDrive website or SuzukiCycles.com.

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