In the 80s and 90s, science fiction films presented the future populated by flying cars. Thirty years later, we cannot say that this is the case. However, Elon Musk still believes in it and has even promised to demonstrate a flying car before the end of the year.
A promise that would be one more from the billionaire co-founder of Tesla, and that is difficult to take seriously despite the fact that he announced it on the podcast of far-right host Joe Rogan. Even less since he has been talking about a project of this type since 2014.
An “unforgettable” demonstration, really?
Next to the second-generation Roadster, whose initial release date was… in 2020, Elon Musk’s flying car turns out to be more of a mirage than anything else.
However, the businessman believes in it: “We are getting closer… to a demonstration of a prototype. What I can guarantee is that this demonstration will be unforgettable (…) both in the good and the bad,” he says.
Shortly after, he referred to the wishes of his “friend” Peter Thiel, creator of Paypal and now a fervent representative of the American ultra-conservative extreme right: “If Peter wants a flying car, he should be able to buy it.”
Pressed to provide more information, Elon Musk remained silent at the insistence of Joe Rogan.
A habit of unsustainable promises
There are just under two months left before the end of 2025, making this promise particularly unsustainable. In the end it won’t be the first time. As Gizmodo points out, Elon Musk is used to promises that never come true, or at least not in the form initially announced. When he explains that he wants to create an autonomous public transportation system that allows about fifteen people to travel in specific tunnels, the result is a single tunnel, in Las Vegas, through which Teslas driven at low speed by humans travel.
Another example, robotaxis. Once again, the system, which has been postponed for a long time, is still far from really working and must be content with traveling to Las Vegas, but always in the company of a human being who comes to ensure safety.
Beyond the initial promise, it is also very difficult to imagine a future in which cars fly. Tesla is already struggling to design its fully autonomous driving software, not to mention impossible regulations. In the United States, as elsewhere, a flying vehicle must be driven by a person who holds a pilot’s license. Suffice to say, this won’t worry many people. This is also what Elon Musk hints at, who talks about a prototype that “may not be a car.”
In short, we can imagine a transportation system that can take off vertically, a bit like a helicopter. Therefore, the billionaire betrays (a little) his initial vision, without having anything to show.
Source: BFM TV
