Important Innovations

  BAE & Supernal Partner on eVTOL Flight Control System                                                  Source:  Supernal Developing the Technological Brains of Flying Taxis Aerospace and defense technology leader BAE Systems and eVTOL developer Supernal (owned by Hyundai) have formed a new partnership to develop a highly advanced flight control system for Supernal's flying taxis to fly autonomously. In essence, they are developing the technological brains to enable flying taxis to self-fly. The system will be a lightweight, cutting edge, fly-by-wire system usable for both eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles), advanced air mobility vehicles (AAMs) and large, regional, electric aircraft.  The architecture will directly control the electric vehicles during flight, takeoff and landing.  BAE says that it is harnessing its expertise in electrification and flight-critical systems to advance "sustainable aviation". Formidable Partnership of Flight Control

  Jeep Avenger 4x4                                                                                           Source:  Jeep Avenger Baby Jeep EV  The Paris Auto Show delivered a huge surprise when Jeep rolled out its new Jeep Avenger 4x4 concept that is based on its new Jeep Avenger Baby EV, unveiled in September.  In Paris, Jeep displayed the two of them side by side.  The Avenger Baby is an electric, 2-wheel drive, subcompact SUV. The Avenger 4x4 is a chunkier, 4-wheel drive, tougher looking, compact trail vehicle with large fenders and big off-road tires.   Tech Specs It's expected that the Avenger 4x4 will make it into production either as a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) with a combustion engine in the front of the vehicle and an electric motor in the back.  Or it could be produced as an all-electric, all-wheel drive vehicle with an electric motor operating on each axle.  The production prototype version has a single electric motor that produces 156 hp and 192 pe-feet o

  Jeep Avenger 4x4                                                                                           Source:  Jeep Avenger Baby Jeep EV  The Paris Auto Show delivered a huge surprise when Jeep rolled out its new Jeep Avenger 4x4 concept that is based on its new Jeep Avenger Baby EV, unveiled in September.  In Paris, Jeep displayed the two of them side by side.  The Avenger Baby is an electric, 2-wheel drive, subcompact SUV. The Avenger 4x4 is a chunkier, 4-wheel drive, tougher looking, compact trail vehicle with large fenders and big off-road tires.   Tech Specs It's expected that the Avenger 4x4 will make it into production either as a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) with a combustion engine in the front of the vehicle and an electric motor in the back.  Or it could be produced as an all-electric, all-wheel drive vehicle with an electric motor operating on each axle.  The production prototype version has a single electric motor that produces 156 hp and 192 pe-feet o

  New Mercedes Designed to Give Tesla Big Competition                                                  Source:  Mercedes Green, Zero Emissions Mercedes Mercedes has unveiled its 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. This is an all-electric crossover powerhouse of a vehicle that is designed to compete directly with Tesla.  The EV has a smaller footprint than the EQS SUV and it promises to be sleek, powerful and very agile, particularly when equipped with rear-axle steering.  The electric SUV is an important part of Mercedes' EQ lineup which includes the new EQS and EQE sedans. Mercedes Technologies on Display The EQE SUV's deliver 617 hp or 677 hp from a Boost function in the AMG Dynamic Plus Package.  It can do 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds.  The powertrains include rear wheel drive and dual motor, 4Matic all-wheel drive with different outputs.  It also has advanced generative braking.  It packs a very respectable range of 367 miles on a charge.  The vehicle offers a lower ride height for Sp

  New Mercedes Designed to Give Tesla Big Competition                                                  Source:  Mercedes Green, Zero Emissions Mercedes Mercedes has unveiled its 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. This is an all-electric crossover powerhouse of a vehicle that is designed to compete directly with Tesla.  The EV has a smaller footprint than the EQS SUV and it promises to be sleek, powerful and very agile, particularly when equipped with rear-axle steering.  The electric SUV is an important part of Mercedes' EQ lineup which includes the new EQS and EQE sedans. Mercedes Technologies on Display The EQE SUV's deliver 617 hp or 677 hp from a Boost function in the AMG Dynamic Plus Package.  It can do 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds.  The powertrains include rear wheel drive and dual motor, 4Matic all-wheel drive with different outputs.  It also has advanced generative braking.  It packs a very respectable range of 367 miles on a charge.  The vehicle offers a lower ride height for Sp

South Korea's Plana  eVTOLs                                                  Source:  Plana Target:  Intercity Travel South Korean startup Plana is developing a 7-seat hybrid-electric, vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) for intercity, regional commuter flights.  The company, founded by the executive who ran Hyundai's early eVTOL operations, plans to put their flying taxis into service in 2028.  The technology is specifically designed for longer haul, intercity flights such as Boston to New York City.  The vehicle has a 350-mile range on a charge and can travel at speeds up to 217 mph. Thus far, the company has raised nearly $10 million in investment funding.  Tech Specs The design of Plana's flying taxi is unique.  The fuselage is long and thin and flows into an upper main wing. The eVTOL is powered and propelled by 6, five-blade tilting electric propellers.  There also is a canard, which is a small winglike projection attached in front of the main wing to provide

  Plana's eVTOLs For Regional Commuting                                                  Source:  Plana Target:  Intercity Travel South Korean startup Plana is developing a 7-seat hybrid-electric, vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL) for intercity, regional commuter flights.  The company, founded by the executive who ran Hyundai's early eVTOL operations, plans to put their flying taxis into service in 2028.  The technology is specifically designed for longer haul, intercity flights such as Boston to New York City.  The vehicle has a 350-mile range on a charge and can travel at speeds up to 217 mph. Thus far, the company has raised nearly $10 million in investment funding.  Tech Specs The design of Plana's flying taxi is unique.  The fuselage is long and thin and flows into an upper main wing. The eVTOL is powered and propelled by 6, five-blade tilting electric propellers.  There also is a canard, which is a small winglike projection attached in front of the main win