Incredible five-seater electric ‘flying water taxi’ shuttles people between lakes in France on two foils with no noise
AN incredible ‘flying water taxi’ that’s used to shuttle up to five people between lakes in France claims to make zero waves, noise or emissions.
The boat/car even appears to float – thanks to an amazing feature that balances it automatically and lifts it off of the water on two foils.
Known as SeaBubbles, the all-electric flying water taxi is used as a commercial shuttle service in France.
It was the first electric hydrofoil machine approved for passenger transport in the country, according to the innovative startup.
First unveiled in 2017 in Paris and then launched for testing the following year, SeaBubbles embarked on its first passenger rides in Veyrier-du-Lac as it crossed towards Annecy les Marquisats in early July 2023.
Now, round trips throughout the day between as it transports passengers between Veyrier-du-Lac and Annecy les Marquisats.
SeaBubbles says: “Our eco-designed boats are the perfect setting for unique events and out-of-the-ordinary meetings, all while enjoying a breathtaking view of the water, with no noise and no pollution.”
To get on the unique taxi, passengers must open the doors sideways at first before they are then lifted upwards, giving the image of a winged watercraft.
Overhead, the roof can be flapped open to enable more airflow or allow natural sunlight inside, while also providing passengers with unobstructed views of the scenery.
According to DesignBoom, the SeaBubbles designers are now looking to develop SmartBubbles, a larger version of their electric flying water taxi.
This will still work by being suspended over hydrofoils, but will accommodate between eight to 12 people at once.
The wider machine is currently in its testing phase, before SeaBubbles hope it can make its first trips in the coming months.
A second version of SeaBubbles is also in development with a fast-charging feature – which could allow it to have a full battery in just four minutes.
This comes as a tiny British island has installed the world’s most remote electric vehicle charger in a push to switch entirely to EVs.
Installing the most remote public electric vehicle charging point is just the start for the British territory that is home to just over 5000 people.
St Helena, the remote volcanic island found in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, has seen a sustainable step in the right direction.
The ambitious plan is part of moving towards sustainable power and zero-emission transport by the end of this decade.