The way we think about getting from point A to point B is changing, with new forms of transportation that are reshaping our daily commutes and travel experiences. Electric sports cars, self-driving vehicles, and even flying drones are quickly moving from futuristic ideas to real-world solutions. These innovations are offering us cleaner, faster, and more efficient ways to move around, all while challenging traditional concepts of personal mobility. Take a look at these 8 exciting developments that are transforming transportation and what the future might hold for how we get around.
8. BMW Vision Next 100 (Exterior)
Step into the BMW Vision Next 100, a visionary concept car that redefines autonomous driving. Picture yourself in a vehicle without a steering wheel, where the car drives itself, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ride.
8. BMW Vision Next 100 (Interior)
Its adaptive body structure adjusts for optimal aerodynamics, making it a true marvel of modern engineering.
7. Airbus Vahana
The Airbus Vahana was designed to revolutionize how we think about commuting. This autonomous electric VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft allowed you to soar above the city, bypassing traffic and landing gracefully in urban areas. The design functioned as a proof of concept and was retired in 2019 after the project was successfully closed out.
6. Navya Arma (Exterior)
The Navya Arma is an autonomous shuttle that is changing the face of urban transportation. This sleek vehicle carries passengers without a driver, ensuring a smooth and safe ride through city streets.
6. Navya Arma (Interior)
It’s like having a personal chauffeur, minus the human error, making urban travel more efficient and enjoyable. Navya (now Gaussin Macnica Mobility) has been testing the shuttles in various cities across the globe.
5. Ehang 184
The future of aerial travel arrives with the Ehang 184, the world’s first autonomous passenger drone. A personal aerial vehicle designed for short-distance journeys, it helped develop the currently running successors, the Ehang 116 and 216 into what they are today. Both the Ehang 116 and 216 are passenger aircraft, like the 184, with the former holding 1 person and the latter holding 2.
4. Terrafugia Transition
The Terrafugia Transition has a long and winding history that stretches back to 2006. It first achieved flight in 2009, and since then has been continuously iterated upon. Hundreds of test flights, changes, evolutions, and stumbles later, Terrafugia has entered into the next phase of its very long history: it has packed up operations in the US and is attempting to move to China. However, it did successfully manage to gain FAA approval as a special light-sport aircraft.
3. Rivian R1T (Exterior)
The Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck that combines ruggedness with eco-friendliness. This vehicle is designed for off-road adventures, allowing you to explore the wilderness while leaving a minimal environmental footprint.
3. Rivian R1T (Interior)
The truck has continuously received changes and improvements since its introduction in 2021 and has successfully managed to wedge itself into the EV market with its utility, safety, and unique appeal.
2. Faraday Future FF 91 (Exterior)
Step into the Faraday Future FF 91, an all-electric SUV that redefines luxury. It’s packed with advanced features including autonomous navigation and driving, a suite of over 30 sensors for positioning and road awareness, and an exceptional 0 – 60 time of 2.27 seconds.
Faraday Future FF 91 (Interior)
The interior leans into the futuristic design and features the car promises, and is replete with several 27-inch screens for the driver, front passenger, and rear passengers.
1. Pal-V Liberty
Last but not least, we have the Pal-V Liberty, a flying car that turns your dreams of aerial travel into reality. The Liberty has seen continuous testing and improvement since 2012, and in 2022 received a European Road Admission for use in Europe. With a plant set up in India to produce the vehicle and the final stages of compliance demonstration rolling forward, the Liberty is now looking at rounding out its certifications before production enters full swing and it can be delivered to anxious buyers.
