A flying electric car racing series is on the horizon, and we can’t wait!
It’s happening. Plans to create the world’s first flying electric car racing series, which could see drivers competing against each other at speeds of up to 200km/h, have taken a giant leap forward.
Known as Airspeeder, the concept was introduced at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed by founder Matt Pearson, who also introduced Alauda Racing, the Australian start-up behind Airspeeder.
It has recently completed a seed investment round, representing a significant step in its aim to accelerate the development of flying electric cars through sporting competition.
And reading the following statement from Airspeeder, it’s not hard for all of us to get excited:
‘The Airspeeder race series will tour the world with Grand Prix events held at both iconic Motorsport venues and non traditional locations, featuring unique and exotic racing backdrops. Initially, each Grand Prix will feature head-to-head racing between ten pilots competing for five teams.
‘Races will take place under rules similar to Formula E, with fans being treated to about 30 minutes of flat-out action with and one pit-stop for a battery swap.’
Sounds good, right?
The Airspeeder vision has been backed by two of Australia’s leading technology venture capital firms, Saltwater Capital and Jelix Ventures.
A technical base is in Adelaide, and houses a growing team of specialists drawn from the leading names in aerospace, engineering and motorsport — including Babcock Aviation and Rolls-Royce.
While London, England, has been established as a global commercial facility — chosen because of its close proximity to key technical expertise in aviation, motor sport, and the UK’s furtive and rapidly expanding electric powertrain development industry.
Pearson said: “Electric flying cars are a coming reality that will liberate our cities and answer the long-term mobility challenges we face. Nothing drives technology as fast as competition.
“The F1 racers of the early 20th century possessed a pioneering spirit we are harnessing today to rapidly accelerate progress. This seed investment represents a significant leap forward in the next great mobility revolution.”
So what do we know about the vehicles?
Known as ‘Speeders’ — they measure just over four metres long and will be propelled by the latest electric powertrains, co-developed with technical partners drawn from the elite motorsport world. This state-of-the-art form of propulsion will accelerate a zero-emissions future.
They will be powered by an 500kw interchangable battery — equivalent to 80 wall sockets. And unlike transport or photography drones, Airspeeders have been purposely built to race, with a pilot in the vehicle. They even have the same power to weight ratio as a fighter jet.
Rapid electric pitstops and short, intense head-to-head competition will serve the requirements of a generation, native to Esports.
And what’s exciting is that these ‘Speeders’ are in the final stages of development. Manned ‘test flights’ were due to take place earlier this year and the first head-to-head dual races are planned for late 2020, with exact locations yet to be announced.
Pearson and Airspeeder COO Jack Whithanshaw are both actively engaged in open dialogue with the wider passenger flying car industry (eVTOL), to open co-development channels that address the key issues of safety, regulation and awareness.
Pearson adds: “We believe in open innovation. Looking back to the development of both the car and aeroplane over a century ago, it was sporting competition that drove progress. We are delighted to work in close collaboration with global regulators and the wider eVTOL industry to bring closer a revolution in airborne mobility.”
Looking at pictures of the Speeders instantly takes me back to my childhood, when I was playing Wipeout 2097 on the Playstation. I didn’t think we’d live in a world where flying races would be possible, which is why it’s so exciting to watch this concept take shape.
Like most people, we cannot wait to hear more about Airspeeder. Visit www.airspeeder.com for more details and updates.