VW China reveals EV flying taxi

An electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drone prototype has been unveiled by Volkswagen Group China.

Urban air mobility (UAM) is set to become a key market segment and the group’s Vertical Mobility (V.MO) project in China is developing a new premium mobility concept aimed initially at high-net worth tech-savvy Chinese customers.

The final version of the automated eVTOL could eventually carry four passengers plus luggage up to 200km.

“Our long-term aim is to industrialise this concept and, like a ‘Flying Tiger’, break new ground in this emerging and fast-evolving new mobility market,” says VW Group China chief executive Dr Stephan Wöllenstein.

The ‘Flying Tiger’ nickname is due to the eVTOL’s black and gold livery commemorating its launch in the Year of the Tiger.

The prototype concept is based on existing autonomous driving solutions and battery technology for emission-free mobility.

With a luxury x-wing configuration 11.2m long and 10.6m wide, the model features eight rotors for vertical lift and two propellers for horizontal flight.

Flight tests are planned later this year with an improved prototype undergoing advanced test flights by mid-2023.

“This is a pioneering project which our young team of Chinese experts started from scratch – they are working with new design concepts and materials while developing new safety standards, disrupting and innovating every step of the way,” says Wöllenstein.

As the Vertical Mobility project develops, Volkswagen Group China will work with the relevant Chinese authorities to achieve certification.