Volkswagen Launches Autonomous Flying Taxi, Exclusively For Rich People

Volkswagen China launches flying taxi. (Volkswagen)

JAKARTA – The development of public transportation such as flying taxis has experienced significant developments. Recently, the line of German car manufacturer Volkswagen located in China, VW Group China (VGC) launched its first eVTOL although it was only a prototype called V.MO.

The flying taxi is fully electric and autonomous. This vehicle can carry four passengers, equipped with luggage space. This is claimed to be an alternative to the flow of land vehicle traffic that is hampered by congestion.

VGC has dubbed its flying car prototype the “Flying Tiger” because of its black and gold colors, said Product Manager & Product Owner Zhou Jin. The company is accelerating software development and local R&D to make commercially available flying cars a reality in the next few years.

"Vertical mobility is likely to be a major part of the future of urban and intercity transportation in China's major cities," added Jin.

“eVTOL air vehicles will be able to transport passengers faster, more efficiently, and with greater flexibility than existing land-based solutions for short and medium distances,” Zhou added.

The V.MO has an X-wing configuration with eight rotors (to provide lift) and two propellers (horizontal flight). In addition, the aircraft is 36.75 feet (11.2 meters) long and 34.8 feet (10.6 meters) wide. VGC did not provide details on the drone's motor and battery specifications, but the company said the craft could fly about 124 miles (200 km) in space before its batteries ran out.

VGC will begin initial flight tests later in 2022, and the company aims to conduct more advanced flight tests in the summer of 2023. In its final iteration, VW Group China is promising a four-seater cabin and autonomous flying capability. That means this flying vehicle does not require a pilot to operate it.

However, this V.MO flying car is aimed at high-income individuals in China. This vehicle can be used for the elite air shuttle service in the country. On the other hand, the company revealed that a commercial version of V.MO is in the process of being developed.

China's VW Group is not alone in developing an autonomous electric flying taxi. Leading French car manufacturer, Renault, has also leaked the possibility of the company developing a flying car called Air4, in 2021. Then there is Klein Vision who also developed a flying car called AirCar.