In The Feeler series, the primary mode of transportation is the hovercar. It’s efficient, requiring no wheels and therefore no paved roads. This flying car also relies on renewable energy, but I haven’t delved too much into the type of renewable energy the hovercar uses. It will be a type of power mineral or crystal mined on the moons of Mars or Jupiter (I haven’t introduced it yet).
How Do Hovercars Fly?
Hovercars in The Feeler series use the crystal, alythium, which increases and decreases local gravity when it receives an infusion energy. This crystal is common on the moons of Earth, Mars, and Jupiter. Because the largest portion of the human population is still on Earth, and most hovercars are also on Earth. This means transporting the alythium from Ganymede to Earth is expensive, making it difficult to own and fly a hovercar.
Drivers maneuver their hovercar by varying the gravity underneath using alythium and activating small jets that use the power mineral I’ll introduce in a later book. Due to the limited range of alythium, the highest a hovercar can get is the equivalent of a two or three story building. But hovercars have a long range because of the reliability of the power mineral.
What are Hovercars like on Earth?
On Earth, hovercars only need to protect the passengers against rain, extreme temperatures, and wind. Also, these hovercars are closer to flying living rooms with soft, u-shaped sofas, tables, and meal crafters. The ride is smooth because it’s not riding on a road.
In book 1 of The Feeler series, I introduced a different type of hovercar: a small two-seater designed for fast maneuverability. Between this two-seater and the flying living rooms, there’s also a whole range of other hovercars.
Some Earth cities have an ancient infrastructure for cars that needed wheels. However, in the future, these roads have been replaced with grass, creating more green spaces. As a result, sometimes the space between shops in downtown areas is a little larger than necessary, but this creates a more beautiful and relaxing city experience.
What are Hovercars Like on Other Planets
In The Feeler series, there are large human cities on the moon (Lunar City) and Mars (Anteros) which use hover cars. The interiors of these hovercars is similar to the ones found on Earth. However, externally, they are basically spaceships. These lunar and martian hovercars must be hardened against radiation, extreme low and high temperatures, and the vacuum of space.
On Earth’s moon, Mars’ moons, as well as Jupiter’s moons, there is no transportation infrastructure or roads. Having a hovercar means lack of infrastructure won’t slow the growth of the city or colony.
Conclusion
I hope you’re enjoying my series on the technology of The Feeler series. Last month I wrote about the meal crafter. if you like these discussions about futuristic technology, let me know in the comments below.