Rolls-Royce motor cars were tough enough to go on early 20th Century tiger hunts in India. Then during World War 1, they mounted armored cars on their chassis. Now, Rolls Royce has announced firm plans to build a diesel hybrid electric vehicle on their journey from armored cars to electric taxis.
Armored Cars to Electric Taxis – The Journey
Most of us associate the famous brand with the motor cars we long to own. However, Rolls-Royce began building aircraft engines during World War I, and jet engines in World War II. Since then the company has maintained its reputation for superior combustion engineering.
Needs must move with the times to stay ahead in business. Rolls-Royce knows the days of internal combustion propulsion are drawing in. But would they be wise to electrify their fabled motor cars? Perhaps not now, when their specialism is propulsion through the air. This is undoubtedly part of the logic behind their EVTOL electric taxi.
Sounds Interesting, But What On Earth is That?
Rolls-Royce announced plans for the electric vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) vehicle at the 2018 Farnborough Air Show. Because they want to ‘champion electrification’ and realize their ambition to become the world’s leading industrial technology company.
They have deep experience of hybrid electric trains and marine vessels. The initial concept uses gas turbines, electric propulsors, and storage batteries. The four-to-five passenger electric taxi will be capable of a 500-mile range at speeds up to 250 miles per hour. It will not require recharging between flights.
Rotating wings will allow for vertical takeoff and landing at heliports and airports. The four propellers on the wings are there to make this happen. However, they will fall silent once in the air, and fold away to reduce drag. Because the dual propeller at the rear will provide sufficient forward propulsion.
Rolls-Royce once remarked on its journey from armored cars to electric taxis that the loudest sound in its luxury sedans was the ticking of the clock. It hopes traveling in its EVTOL will be similarly peaceful, because of the low level of cabin noise during horizontal flight.
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Preview Image: Rolls-Royce Blue Sky Thinking
