VW Group China presents prototype of eVTOL aircraft

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Volkswagen Group China today launched its first prototype of an electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) manned aircraft, indicating a milestone in the development of fully electric and sustainable individual mobility.

In 2020, Volkswagen Group China initiated a “Vertical Mobility” project to develop next-generation mobility solutions, aiming to spread its footprints in the urban air mobility market and expand urban transport from roads to airspace.

Photo credit: Volkwagen Group China

According to the company's press release, the project team has developed its first prototype for testing in airspace—the V.MO. The eye-catching black and gold exterior design symbolizes the model's introduction in the Year of the Tiger.

The prototype is built on existing autonomous driving solutions and battery technologies, said the group. It is designed with an X-shaped wing that measures 11.2 meters long and spans 10.6 meters. The concept model has 8 rotors for lift and 2 rotors for horizontal propulsion.

Volkswagen Group China will conduct tests in the second half of this year to further optimize flight solutions. The improved prototype will complete higher-level test flights by late summer 2023.

In its final form, this eVTOL aircraft will be able to run up to 200km with 4 passengers and luggage on board.