The SeaBubble is an electric vehicle with capacity for four passengers, including the driver, which is capable of flying over water and is especially suitable for river navigation . It is a French invention with an ecological vocation, which does not make noise or cause waves.
It has been designed with use in large river cities such as Paris, London and New York in mind, where it could alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution ; Furthermore, it would constitute a new tourist attraction without any negative impact on the environment.
Built with biodegradable material, its maximum speed will be adapted to the river limits and the regulations of each city – in the case of Paris, this speed is about 18 km / h – and it has autonomy for about 80-100 kilometers . The bubble-shaped vehicle is powered by two electric motors that lift it above the water, so that only its four fins remain in contact with the surface.
Prototype tests are scheduled to begin next August, production will begin in January 2017 and in May they plan to deliver the first units. Behind this project are Anders Bringdal and Alain Thébault; The latter is also the father of the Hydroptère, a flying boat that inspired them to create the SeaBubble.
The Paris City Council has shown its interest in the ecological SeaBubbles – the mayor, Anne Hidalgo, has expressed her wish that hers be the first capital in which the prototypes are tested – and, according to Le Parisien , the Minister of Economy French, Emmanuel Macron, has already ordered a couple of units that will be destined for the customs service.
Image: SeaBubbles / Christophe Launay et Francis Demange
