#HOVER CAR IN CHINA PLUS#

In its final future iteration, the fully electric and automated eVTOL could eventually carry four passengers plus luggage over a distance of up to 200 km. The Group will conduct several flight tests later this year to optimize the concept and an improved prototype will undergo further advanced test flights by late summer 2023. With a luxury X-wing configuration of 11.2m in length and a span width of 10.6m, the model features eight rotors for vertical lift and two propellers for horizontal flight. The prototype concept is based on existing autonomous driving solutions and battery technology for emission-free mobility. This initial prototype has also been nicknamed the Flying Tiger due to its distinctive black and gold livery, which was painted to commemorate its launch in the Year of the Tiger. After intensive research, conceptual work, and development, the project team has now developed its first validation model:the V.MO. In 2020, Volkswagen Group China launched a Vertical Mobility project to explore the next generation of mobility solutions, including the urban air mobility market and the extension of urban traffic into airspace. This story first appeared on Prestige Singapore.Volkswagen Group China unveiled its first electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) passenger drone prototype, as part of its strategy to explore and break new ground in fully electric and sustainable individual mobility concepts.

British automobile company Aston Martin, South Korean car maker Hyundai and Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng are also among those who have set their eyes on flying cars.

A self-piloted passenger drone by Boeing completed its first test flight in 2019. The idea of commercial flying taxi services has been drawing more interest in recent years. In the statement, the company said that in its first phase, the Flying Tiger is likely to be pitched to the high-net worth tech-savvy Chinese customers as a premium product for use as VIP air shuttle services. Stephan Wöllenstein, CEO of Volkswagen Group China, said: “The launch of this stunning validation model – the V.MO – is the first of many remarkable milestones on our exciting journey towards urban air travel, and a perfect example of our ‘From China, For China’ mission.” Once the vehicle is finally ready, it will be able to carry four passengers plus luggage up to a distance of 200km. The company said that tests on the prototype will be carried out through 2022, before it is subjected to even more advanced test flights in 2023. Two propellers assist in horizontal flight. There are eight rotors helping the prototype aircraft in vertical lift. The Flying Tiger has been produced as part of the Vertical Mobility project launched in 2020 by Volkswagen China to “explore the next generation of mobility solutions, including the urban air mobility market and the extension of urban traffic into airspace.”Īccording to the company, the prototype has a luxury x-wing configuration measuring 11.2m in length and 10.6m in width. All helicopters are VTOL-type aircraft but some fighter jets, such as F-35B Lightning II, are also examples of the type. VTOLs are aircraft that can land, take-off and hover vertically. In a statement, Volkswagen China said that Flying Tiger is an electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) prototype. Features of the Volkswagen electric flying car Image credit: Volkswagen AG

Hover car in china