Amphibious Vehicles: Way of the Future?
June 17, 2010
A somewhat interesting concept in the world of transportation is that of driving off the road and straight into the sea. The concept in itself is nothing new, and has intrigued inventors and travelers alike for years. Only recently, however, are the efforts starting to bear fruits.
Aquada
The biggest breakthrough in the amphibian vehicle industry has probably been Aquada. It can convert itself from a land vehicle to a ‘boat’ in about 12 seconds. And once on water, it can still run at a whooping 30 mph speed. Besides, it is the one car that is already available for public purchase, albeit at a premium price tag of £150,000.
Then there’s the ambitious amphibian bus transport service being undertaken in Great Britain. They are trying to design buses that can run on land as well as water. This project is being copied in many other countries as well.
AmfiBus
The amphibian vehicle industry, however, is still in its nascent stages. Cheap and reliable amphibious vehicles are still a distant dream for the general population. But is it where the future of vehicles is headed?
Many would seem to agree. In many places, all over the world, the ability to go straight through a water catchment area rather than around it, or over a bridge, would cut traveling times drastically. Apart from the savings in time, amphibious buses like those being tested in Great Britain serve as a tourist attraction, adding to the government’s coffers.
The only hindrances so far to the wide-spread use of amphibious vehicles are their cost and safety issues related to drowning as well as water traffic. However, developments to make such vehicles cheaper, faster, and more reliable are underway, and travelling in amphibious vehicles should be a common scenario by the end of the decade.
