Taking a look at the A-Z listers of flying cars

Unfortunately, many of these vehicles and concepts could have used a little more time on the drawing board, as companies collectively are jumping the gun like there’s no tomorrow. There is some glimmer of hope, though. Some flying cars are not only are very real but are also bordering on being interesting.

So here we will take a look at five of the more popular flying cars, either real or conceptual, and rank them from what has potential to be interesting and go far, to what has no hope, and never will.

The AeroMobil Flying Car:
Slovakian company AeroMobil announced in April that it plans to deliver a flying car to customers by 2019. This isn't the only company that has made such promises, but it may be the first one to fulfil this with a vehicle that actually could catch on. And, unlike some of the flying vehicles out there, AeroMobil’s car doesn’t look like more of a toy when in drive mode.

The vehicle has impressive technology and design, but that comes at a price, with a $1.2m expected price, which isn’t decreasing anytime soon. However, it’s the first fully realised flying car that actually looks like a flying car is expected to look.

PAL-V Liberty:
The Liberty, created by Dutch company PAL-V, is said to be able to reach 100mph when in drive mode. However, some may think; what’s the point? The vehicle does actually work and is currently available for pre-order, but there are reports that the Liberty feels less like a flying car and more like a weak helicopter that can drive a little bit.

Terrafugia TF-X:
Where the Liberty may look weak, the Terrafugia TF-X looks exactly the opposite. This vehicle looks like a futuristic hearse with wings, and the US-based company claimed it can integrate the speed of aviation with the convenience of driving a car, although people are not convinced. The Terrafugia TF-X is said to be practical, as there is no requirement for an airport with take-off and landing, and it can drive on all roads and highways.

Kitty Hawk Flyer:
Although this vehicle may not be considered by everyone as a flying car, it is still sometimes referred to as one, and the developer is backed by Alphabet CEO Larry Page, but hype has not convinced everyone.

People have argued that the Flyer is really a vehicle which allows rich people to fly over fresh water differently than most people. Ultimately, the Flyer isn’t much more than a beach-side rental option for the more wealthier vacation-goer.

Airbus Pop.UP:
Airbus envisions a world where you hail a self-driving car that drives you until traffic becomes too congested, at which point a drone lifts the pod from its wheelbase and carries it elsewhere. Yes, a car-carrying drone, which has raised a number of eyebrows. There is always the issue that modern cities may not be able to handle such infrastructural change (cities like Boston and London for example), but the question is what does Airbus plan to do with all the wheel platforms it leaves behind?