An exciting collaboration is underway in the Philippine air transportation world as developers of hydrogen-powered eVTOL vehicles expand their business reach to the Philippines through an innovative partnership. The project is the result of a collaboration between pioneering Florida-based startup LuftCar and the Philippines' eFrancisco Motor Corporation (eFMC). With the hope of completing the prototype by the end of 2024, the project aims to introduce a revolutionary transportation solution to the 7,101 islands that make up the Philippine archipelago.
Though a full prototype has yet to be produced, the concept design stands out for its simplicity in contrast to the Supernal SA-2. Unlike efforts to create flying cars, the core of this design is a customizable minivan powered by hydrogen fuel cells or electric batteries for road travel.
The visual imagination is compelling; imagine a car seemingly being flown by a hovering aircraft. This concept envisions a flying car that, while more like a van, has the ability to carry packages over long distances and then complete deliveries by driving to locations inaccessible by air.
LuftCar takes an innovative and versatile approach to development. Essentially, the flying component, which the company calls a flying forklift, will be integrated into the ground vehicle and then be able to fly it. They are currently developing a two-seater prototype with initial funding of around $1.5 million. It is hoped that after successful concept testing, this prototype will be transformed into a commercial version capable of carrying five passengers.
This vehicle is capable of flying up to 300 miles at a maximum speed of 220 mph and reaching a maximum altitude of 4,000 feet. Meanwhile, the ground component of the vehicle has a range of up to 150 miles. The ground component of the vehicle is designed to open at the front to facilitate cargo and passenger loading and, interestingly, its airframe will be powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
LuftCar has identified an attractive target market focused on air cargo, emergency medical services (EMS), national defense and security, and regional transportation. It is expected that air cargo and EMS will be the primary applications for the certified Electric Air Vehicles (EAV). In addition, LuftCar is actively developing a hybrid propulsion system using hydrogen fuel cells to power its system as well as other eVTOL platforms under development.
