Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
IT’S 2015, AND we still don’t have hoverboards, contrary to everything we learned in Back to the Future.
It just doesn’t make sense.
However, that hasn’t put people off working on the technology – such as this version that works only on copper surfaces – and today Lexus appeared to be showing off their own version of the hoverboard.
The car manufacturer today launched a microsite detailing a new project called Slide.
They’re calling it a “real, rideable hoverboard’.
“The Lexus hoverboard represents true engineering innovation and over the coming weeks, we’ll be bringing you regular updates on the progress of this extraordinary project,” the company said.
The board is “wrapped in a design that is uniquely Lexus, the Hoverboard features the iconic Lexus spindle grille signature shape, using materials found in the luxury car brand, from the high tech to the natural bamboo,” apparently.
Sadly, it isn’t what it seems.
The technology behind it is quite real – liquid nitrogen cooled superconductors and permanent magnets. There are plenty of evidence online demonstrating this phenomenon.
The catch is that it also needs a magnet on the ground for the levitation to take place, and when we last checked* the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government weren’t planning to install magnets under footpaths across the country, meaning you would be pretty limited in where you could ride the Slide.
And if that wasn’t enough, Lexus confirmed to CNBC that it would not be selling the hoverboard, and it will only be used as part of a upcoming ad campaign.
Well that’s then.
*We have never checked. Maybe we should.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say