Volkswagen Group has unveiled the first electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) passenger aircraft prototype to take new steps towards fully electric and sustainable individual mobility in China. Thus, the company has received the first fruit of the flying vehicle studies launched in China in 2020.
Volkswagen plans to start the first flights by the end of 2023
Wanting to offer next-generation mobility solutions, Volkswagen introduced its first prototype, V.MO, after intensive research and development. The introduction of this first prototype was painted black and gold to mark the year of the tiger in China. The flying vehicle was also called the “Flying Tiger”.
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The prototype concept embraces existing autonomous driving solutions and battery technology for emission-free mobility. The 10.6 m long and 11.2 m wingspan model uses eight rotors for vertical takeoff and two propellers for horizontal flight.
Volkswagen will conduct several flight tests later this year to optimize the concept, and an improved prototype will undergo further test flights by late summer 2023. Volkswagen’s flying vehicle model is designed to carry four passengers and their belongings. The range of the electric flying vehicle is expected to be around 200 km.
Volkswagen’s new flying vehicle is poised to play an important role in the future of urban and intercity transportation in China’s crowded megacities. In the initial phase of its commercial use, it seems likely that V.MO will be offered as a premium product in VIP air transport services for wealthy Chinese customers.
eVTOL aircraft will be able to transport passengers between two points more quickly and efficiently than existing conventional ground transport vehicles. If this project continues to develop, Volkswagen Group will apply to the authorities in the future to be able to fly in China.
It looks like we’ll see more of these tools as technology evolves. So what do you think about Volkswagen’s flying vehicle? You can share your views with us in the comments section.