What's happening?

InventorsPeople who create new things. have been working on the idea of a flying car for over 100 years. Now, they are closer than ever before.

The main focus today is on a type of car called an EVTOL. This is short for "electric verticalStraight up. take-off and landing".

Companies around the world are working on the idea, including Toyota and Uber.

EVTOLs come in many forms. Some are like huge drones. Others have electric jets. And some are even a bit like helicopters.

EVTOL makers say they are cheaper, quieter and cause less pollutionWhen harmful or dangerous things are put into the environment. than helicopters. The main challenge lies with batteries, which are heavy and cost a lot of money. It means that the flying cars cannot travel very far.

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But there are other problems too. "Where will these vehicles be allowed to fly?" asks one city transport expertSomeone who knows a lot about a particular subject.. "Where will they take off? Where will they land? Who decides what is possible? That's going to take a long time to get figured out."

Are they a good idea?

Yes! Traffic jams are one of the world's most annoying problems. We need big ideas to fix them. Flying cars could make travelling quicker and even greener.

No! The traffic on the ground is bad enough - to have it in the sky as well would be terrible. And for now, some worry that flying cars are not that safe either.