The first commercial flying car unveiled

The International Geneva Motor Show never fails to rouse car enthusiasts. The show offers a platform for the worlds automobile leaders to gather and exhibit new supercars, technology and prototypes. With the unveiling of new supercars one of the most anticipated parts of the show, the 88th edition of the convention did not disappoint.

This year premieres included the new Zenvo TSR-S, McLaren Senna GTR and Rimac Concept Two among many others. But between stands showcasing the latest cars to dazzle and delight speed fans and designers is the PAL-V Liberty, which claims to be the world’s first commercial flying car. 

From Dutch company PAL-V International B.V., the Liberty has a dual engine which means it’s able to move on the road as well as in the air, making it a fully-fledged flying car. The company assert that the vehicle complies with all existing regulations for air and road travel, meaning that with the correct licences (driver and pilot) it is ready to be ‘instantly enjoyed’.

However, with it taking up to 10 minutes for the car to convert from road to air, and an airstrip needed in order to take off and land, it seems like the PAL-V Liberty may not be as instantaneous as it sounds.

Prices for the car are steep, as expected, and you can pick up a PAL-V Liberty Sport Edition for €299,000, or a customisable model for €499.000. The company are currently taking pre-orders and are hoping that once they are fully certified they will be able to hand the keys to the first buyers next year.

When asked about the selling point of the Pal-V Liberty the company commented, "It's the frustration of general aviation," says chief executive Robert Dingemanse in an article for the BBC.

"With a small plane or a helicopter you take off from a place you don't want to leave from, and end up in a place you don't really want to be. But if you drive, you can start at your garage door, then go straight to the place you want to be - and that's what we offer - 3D mobility."

With the future of aviation and road travel very much at the centre of revolutionary change, particularly in terms of driverless vehicles and more economical and efficient air travel, the PAL-V Liberty is certainly another step toward a more futuristic way of movement.

The company are aptly using the strapline ‘Ready for your new adventure?’ and, ready or not, it’ll be exciting to see where this goes.

Photo by Vlad Savov