Important Innovations Collection

25 Flying Taxis Go into Production 2023 Source:  Lilium Unique Aviation Technology Germany-based eVTOL maker Lilium is closing in on the finish line for commercial operations of its flying taxis.  It just secured $119 million in investment money from big players like American conglomerate Honeywell and China conglomerate Tencent Holdings. Some of the funding will help Lilium start production on its unique aviation technology.  In 2023, it will begin with the production of 25 of its flying taxis called Jet.  It expects to produce 250 more Jets in 2024. Jet is an all-electric, vertical takeoff and landing vehicle. It doesn't require a runway for takeoff and is part of the big emerging travel trend of urban air mobility. Unique Technology Lilium's Jet offers unique aviation technology.  The EV relies on a large number of small electric jet engines that are integrated into the wing flaps in the front of the aircraft for vertical lift.  Most other flying ta...

Race Car Soon to be a Road Car                                                       Source:  Cupra VW Car Innovation Center:  Cupra Cupra, which is a division of VW, has unveiled a radical new race car that is soon to become a road car.  It's called the Cupra Urban Rebel.  As a race car, it packs 400 hp and is said, by one automotive expert, to be "fast and playful on dirt and tarmac".  The all-electric vehicle will be launched as an urban mobility road car in 2025.  For VW, this new EV is strategically important to the brand's green future.  VW hopes to produce 500,000 urban electric cars per year.   Automotive Innovation Cupra defines itself as a unique brand, distinguished by sportiness and sophistication.  It also incorporates into its vehicles leading edge styling.  The...

Hilux Revo BEV                                        Source:  Toyota Toyota's Holistic Approach to Electrification Toyota has unveiled its first, fully electric pickup truck. The battery electric vehicle (BEV) is called the Hilux Revo BEV prototype and it's designed to be an everyday, workhorse truck capable of a mix of functions. It has a unique configuration of cargo and passenger space. It appears to be ready to go into production.  The debut took place in Thailand as part of Toyota's 60 years of operations there.  The big question is:  will it be sold in the US?  Toyota hasn't announced its intentions with the EV yet, but it has been teasing about an electric pickup for the US market since 2021. More Details The Hilux Revo BEV is a midsized truck with a single cab and an extended bed.  The charging port is on the front, left fender....

  First Images of Inception Concept Logo & Grill                             Source: Inception & Peugeot Other Concepts What to Expect of a Possibly Exceptional Concept Car Stellantis-owned, legendary French automaker Peugeot is famous for facile, functional vehicles and magnificent concept cars like Instinct, Exalt and Legend in the past few years.  Now, Peugeot is ready to present its next new concept car, Inception, that will debut at the CES 2023 in January.  Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson says it will showcase the "next-generation of e-native cars".  That means it will demonstrate the future of cars built from their inception as an electric vehicle.  Automotive experts expect the EV to be a stunner. Some Noteworthy Points The fact that the debut of Inception will take place at the world's top technology and electronics show portends that the new vehicle will be loaded wi...

New Hydrogen Pickup & SUV Are Being Developed                                                        Source:  Toyota Zero Emissions World Japanese automaker Toyota is placing big bets on hydrogen as a very promising alternative to battery electric vehicles in the new world of zero emissions driving.  The company is developing both a hydrogen powered pickup truck and a hydrogen powered SUV.  Toyota is clearly building a hydrogen vehicle portfolio.  It is also currently testing hydrogen powered semi-trucks in California and also is selling its Mirai hydrogen car in California, which is at the forefront of the number of hydrogen filling stations in the United States. Tech Specs The new hydrogen pickup is being developed at Toyota's UK operations. Toyota is working with a consortium of British companies a...

Mercedes Vision AVTR Concept Car                                                Source:  Mercedes-Benz You Can Drive Sideways If Need Be Mercedes Benz has unveiled a real-life version of its Vision AVTR, a magnificent concept car inspired by the future and the original blockbuster James Cameron movie Avatar. Mercedes created the EV to mark the release of director James Cameron's 2nd Avatar movie - Avatar: The Way of Water.  The Mercedes ATVR has a futuristic propulsion system and very innovative, edgy styling.  The concept car is a blockbuster of its own, even though it doesn't appear in the movie.  Unique Design Language The vehicle is fast-forward futuristic with totally glass doors that open like bird wings and huge wheels that resemble a flower in bloom.  These features tie into the Avatar theme of conserving the beauty ...

Squad Mobility's Squad Car                                                Source: Squad Mobility World's First Solar City Car  Netherlands-based Squad Mobility's $6,250 solar electric car will start selling in the United States in 2023.  It is also available in Europe. The Squad is a fresh and inexpensive solution to driving green with zero emissions.  For many consumers it may provide an alternative and answer their concern over the high cost of buying a solar electric car, some of which exceed $100,000. Squad calls the vehicle the world's first solar city car.   US Interest The Dutch company says it has particularly strong interest in the vehicle from groups in the US.  The demand is coming from inner cities, hotels, resorts, tourist destinations, senior communities, college campuses and ride sharing platforms. Such l...