Important Innovations Collection

Alef Aeronautics Model A                                             Source:  Alef Aeronautics Flying/Driving eVTOL that Works with Current Infrastructure  California startup Alef Aeronautics, which is a cutting-edge technology company, just unveiled a very innovative and fresh take on flying cars. The electric, composite eVTOL called Model A looks like a hot and sporty convertible.  But it actually is a street legal and garage park-able flying, driving car with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. This vehicle fits into and works within existing infrastructure.  It is also the ultimate in cutting edge technologies and seems to have flown out of a Star Wars movie. Very Interesting New Technologies The EV is totally battery powered.  The frame of Model A is hyper-minimalist, much of which is made from light weight mesh compo...

Airbus-Aston Martin to Produce Another Series of Luxury Choppers                                                                      Source:  Aston Martin ACH 130 Aston Martin Helicopters The luxury carmaker favored by 007 secret agent James Bond - Aston Martin - has gone airborne with a sleek and very sophisticated helicopter, the ACH 130.  It just showed up in the US on its way to a buyer in Texas.  Another one has just been purchased by a buyer in South America.  Orders have also come in from Europe, Canada and Southeast Asia.  The ACH 130 is the result of a partnership between global aerospace and aviation leader Airbus' Airbus Corporate Helicopters and the legendary automaker Aston Martin.  It is a flying vehicle worthy of its own James Bond movie....

BAE & Supernal Partner on eVTOL Flight Control System                                                  Source:  Supernal Developing the Technological Brains of Flying Taxis Aerospace and defense technology leader BAE Systems and eVTOL developer Supernal (owned by Hyundai) have formed a new partnership to develop a highly advanced flight control system for Supernal's flying taxis to fly autonomously. In essence, they are developing the technological brains to enable flying taxis to self-fly. The system will be a lightweight, cutting edge, fly-by-wire system usable for both eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles), advanced air mobility vehicles (AAMs) and large, regional, electric aircraft.  The architecture will directly control the electric vehicles during flight, takeoff and landing.  BAE says that it is harn...

Jeep Avenger 4x4                                                                                          Source:  Jeep Avenger Baby Jeep EV  The Paris Auto Show delivered a huge surprise when Jeep rolled out its new Jeep Avenger 4x4 concept that is based on its new Jeep Avenger Baby EV, unveiled in September.  In Paris, Jeep displayed the two of them side by side.  The Avenger Baby is an electric, 2-wheel drive, subcompact SUV. The Avenger 4x4 is a chunkier, 4-wheel drive, tougher looking, compact trail vehicle with large fenders and big off-road tires.   Tech Specs It's expected that the Avenger 4x4 will make it into production either as a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) with a combustio...

New Mercedes Designed to Give Tesla Big Competition                                                  Source:  Mercedes Green, Zero Emissions Mercedes Mercedes has unveiled its 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. This is an all-electric crossover powerhouse of a vehicle that is designed to compete directly with Tesla.  The EV has a smaller footprint than the EQS SUV and it promises to be sleek, powerful and very agile, particularly when equipped with rear-axle steering.  The electric SUV is an important part of Mercedes' EQ lineup which includes the new EQS and EQE sedans. Mercedes Technologies on Display The EQE SUV's deliver 617 hp or 677 hp from a Boost function in the AMG Dynamic Plus Package.  It can do 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds.  The powertrains include rear wheel drive and dual motor, 4Matic all-wheel drive with different...

Plana's High Speed & Long Range eVTOLs                                                  Source:  Plana Target:  Intercity Travel South Korean startup Plana is developing a 7-seat hybrid-electric, vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) for intercity, regional commuter flights.  The company, founded by the executive who ran Hyundai's early eVTOL operations, plans to put their flying taxis into service in 2028.  The technology is specifically designed for longer haul, intercity flights such as Boston to New York City.  The vehicle has a 350-mile range on a charge and can travel at speeds up to 217 mph. Thus far, the company has raised nearly $10 million in investment funding.  Tech Specs The design of Plana's flying taxi is unique.  The fuselage is long and thin and flows into an upper main wing. T...

Lotus Evija Hypercar                                                                                Source:  Lotus Evija Top Speeds of 217 MPH In the UK, the world's most powerful production car, Lotus Elija, is now in production.  The electric hypercar can only be described as iconic and superlative.  The 4-electric motor powertrain delivers a whopping 2,011 hp and 1,256 lb-ft of torque.  This vehicle can hit a top speed of 217 mph.  No other car - in production - compares to it for power and it's quite a looker too. More Tech Details Elija accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in less than 3 seconds and can go from 0 to 186 mph in less than 9 seconds.  The vehicle has a carbon fiber body, magnesium wheels and a racecar inspired ...