Mexican Media Brands
German Startup Unveils 5-Passenger Electric Air Taxi
German startup Lilium GmbH has unveiled a new five-passenger prototype of an electric air taxi it hopes to put into production by 2025.
Share
German startup Lilium GmbH has unveiled a new five-passenger prototype of an electric air taxi it hopes to put into production by 2025.
Dubbed the Lilium Jet, the vertical takeoff and landing plane is powered by 36 electric motors mounted on four wings and generating a combined 2,000 hp. The wings tilt to transition between vertical and horizontal flight. Once under way, the wings provide lift that enhances energy efficiency.
The 4-year-old company tested a remote-controlled, two-seat version of its VTOL plane in 2017, claiming a flight speed of 300 kph (186 mph) and range of 300 km (186 miles) per charge. The new rototype so far has demonstrated only vertical flight.
Lilium notes that a five-passenger air taxi is considerably more appealing for commercial operations than smaller aircraft. The company says its design is much quieter and smoother than a helicopter and is far simpler, cheaper and more efficient than flying taxi concepts being developed by others.
RELATED CONTENT
-
On Zeekr, the Price of EVs, and Lighting Design
About Zeekr, failure, the price of EVs, lighting design, and the exceedingly attractive Karma
-
Plastics: The Tortoise and the Hare
Plastic may not be in the news as much as some automotive materials these days, but its gram-by-gram assimilation could accelerate dramatically.
-
GM Seeks to Avert U.S. Plant Shutdowns Linked to Supplier Bankruptcy
General Motors Co. says it hopes to claim equipment and inventory from a bankrupt interior trim supplier to avoid being forced to idle all 19 of its U.S. assembly plants.
