10 September 2018

Volvo looks at replacing short-haul flights

Volvo has revealed a concept car which explores how people will travel short-haul distances in the future, writes Brian Byrne.

Billed as a future alternative to short-haul flights, the 360c is designed as an autonomous electric vehicle which can take its occupants from home to destination without them ever having to interact with the driving of the car.

The concept is promoted as a a sleeping environment, a mobile office, a living room and entertainment space ... all of which are elements in how people travel today.

It is designed to trigger conversation and debate about the future of travel, city planning, infrastructure and the footprint of a modern society on its environment.

The concept is basing those conversations on the fact that for short-haul air travel, more waiting time is wasted on the ground, and a land-based autonomous vehicle could travel the same journeys with the occupants arrived refreshed and stress-free.