Honda is working on the development of the Honda eVTOL, which is a hybrid with a gas turbine that utilizes electrification technology, in order to achieve longer cruising range and more convenient intercity transportation , and is expected to expand the market for intercity transportation.
source-image: honda
Honda aims to create new value through a new mobility ecosystem by linking and combining Honda eVTOL with ground mobility. Honda Jet is a concept flying vehicle as one way of connecting mobility on the ground and in the skies. It is designed and developed to make sure it is accessible to more people by using a layer closer to the ground, it eliminates the need for runways or other large facilities. It means that Honda provides an easier mode of mobility in the air.
source-image: honda
Honda estimates that future electric air taxis will be severely limited by range and function only as intra-city transport. That could be more trouble than it’s worth when cars can perform the same service in nearly the same time without the added complexity – and dangers of flight.
source-image: honda
The eVTOL concept eliminates this problem by offering a projected range of 400 kilometers (249 miles).In designing the eVTOL, safety has been the first and foremost priority. A tiltrotor, an aircraft that changes the angle of its rotors to generate both lift and thrust, has an advantage in terms of fuel efficiency.
source-image: honda
source-image: honda
However, in case of a malfunction, the integration of the lift/thrust functions may lead to multiple critical function losses and make it difficult to secure flight safety. To address this safety concern, Honda eVTOL is equipped with eight rotors for vertical take-off and landing and two rotors for propulsion, ensuring a high degree of redundancy by distributing functions. In fact, Honda eVTOL is as safe as airplanes operated by airlines.
Advertisement
The multi-rotor configuration not only ensures safety but also enables smaller rotor diameters, resulting in an overwhelming level of quiet operation compared to helicopters. In addition to ensuring passenger comfort, the quietness of eVTOL will minimize the impact on the surrounding environment during take-off, landing and in-flight.
All-electric eVTOL, which fly solely on energy stored in the battery, have a range of around 100 km (approx. 62 miles) and are intended for intra-city transportation, an alternative for taxi use. On the other hand, Honda eVTOL equipped with a hybrid power unit has a range of 400 km (approx. 250 miles), which covers even inter-city (city-to-city) transportation. Honda eVTOL will demonstrate a high level of user-friendliness at the core of the mobility ecosystem Honda is envisioning for the future.
