Chery has become the fifth Chinese vehicle manufacturer to develop its own electric flying car, bringing the future one step closer to the present. While China’s eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) sector is spreading its wings, its biggest European rival, Germany’s Lilium, is facing financial bankruptcy. Chery’s electric-powered airplane, the prototype of the not-so-aptly named Land and Air Vehicle, has completed its first test range of 80 kilometres, the Chinese vehicle manufacturer announced on Friday.

Although there is no publicly available video, the device itself certainly exists, as attendees at Chery’s innovation conference in Anhui were able to see for themselves.

The futuristic vehicle, which can take off and land from a fixed position, is based on Chery’s Aero model unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show in spring. The company is now at the stage of development where it can bring out a prototype without risk of failure. And it is high time, given that several of China’s competitors at the forefront of next-generation vehicles and battery technology are already producing aircraft, including Xpeng, SAIC Motor, GAC Group, and Geely.

The race among Chinese eVTOL manufacturers

They all have different technologies and are moving at different speeds towards their goals. Chery, which joins them, is experimenting with a three-stage hybrid wing variation, building on the existing scalable intelligent Mars architecture. This modular architecture allows Chery to adapt and expand the capabilities of its flying vehicle, a crucial advantage in the emerging field of urban air mobility, where innovation speed often dictates competitive advantage.

Chery’s flying car: futuristic design, limited capacity

Chery’s flying car, which can only seat two people, has more similarities to other emerging personal air transport models than just its futuristic look. The design resembles Tesla’s Cybercab, unveiled a week ago, in its minimalistic approach—no pedals, no steering wheel. It consists of three main components: the flying structure, the intelligent control panel, and the intelligent chassis. This modular design allows for enhanced safety and performance, as each unit operates independently while maintaining communication with the others.

Chery envisions its vehicle primarily for urban transport and short commutes, offering a practical solution for avoiding traffic jams and reducing travel time in densely populated cities. However, as a flying machine, it holds potential for wider applications, such as emergency medical transport or surveillance.

Despite its futuristic design and versatile features, Chery’s vehicle is not a family car; it can only accommodate two passengers. However, it does offer an exhilarating flight experience. The vehicle can reach an altitude of up to 1,000 metres and speeds of 120 kilometres per hour. The battery capacity, as recently announced, allows for 40 minutes of flight or a maximum distance of 80 kilometres. While these specifications are modest compared to traditional aircraft, they are typical for first-generation eVTOLs.

Source: carnewschina.com

Flying cars: a new direction in transport

Flying cars represent an emerging trend in the transport industry, promising to alleviate congestion in urban areas and open new possibilities for personal travel. In regions like China, America, and the hyper-rich Arab oil countries, demand is rising, with people eager to incorporate these advanced vehicles into their daily lives. Experts believe that commercialisation is progressing faster than the development of the required regulatory framework, especially regarding air traffic control, safety protocols, and operational restrictions.

Regulatory challenges

The development of flying cars brings about regulatory challenges similar to those experienced by autonomous vehicles. Authorities are struggling to keep pace with technological advancements, lagging behind in clarifying legal, technical, and safety guidelines, roles, and responsibilities. In many cases, the absence of clear regulations has led to experimental flights being confined to specific testing areas.

This regulatory delay mirrors what occurred with drones, where authorities were initially forced to address safety and privacy concerns through restrictive regulations and bans. As with drones (more information here), the authorities need to balance safety considerations with the desire to foster innovation and support an emerging industry with significant potential benefits.

Xpeng and geely: leading the chinese flying car industry

Xpeng and Geely are at the forefront of the Chinese flying car industry. Xpeng AeroHT is a subsidiary of Xpeng, specializing in flying car technologies. AeroHT has made significant strides by developing both simple drone and modular flying car versions. The company is currently seeking partners to help produce 10,000 units annually, aiming for mass production by 2026. AeroHT’s flying vehicles are expected to be a major attraction at the upcoming Zhuhai Air Show, a biennial event in the city of Zhuhai, showcasing advancements in aerospace technology. More than three thousand pre-orders have already been made for AeroHT’s aircraft, despite a hefty guide price of $280,000 per unit.

Geely’s subsidiary Aerofugia is responsible for the eVTOL AE200. Unlike Chery’s smaller, personal vehicle, the AE200 is intended for air taxi and emergency operations. This vehicle is a combination of helicopter and drone technology, capable of transporting five to six passengers. It has a maximum take-off weight of 2,500 kilograms, a top speed of 320 km/h, and a range of 200 kilometres. The AE200 could play a vital role in addressing transportation needs in densely populated cities, where road congestion is a significant problem, as well as providing a solution for rapid emergency response.

European setbacks: lilium’s financial struggles

While China seems to be accelerating, the European flying car scene is facing challenges. German eVTOL startup Lilium is battling serious financial difficulties. This week, the German parliament’s budget committee announced that it would not support a €50 million state guarantee for a €100 million loan requested by Lilium. This lack of financial backing poses a considerable threat to Lilium’s plans, potentially delaying or even cancelling future test phases.

Lilium has an impressive model: a six-seat eVTOL designed primarily for air taxi services. The Saudi state airline Saudia has already made a binding offer for 50 units, with an option for another 50 units. The model, however, comes with a high price tag of $7 million per aircraft. Without additional funding, Lilium faces an uncertain future, risking the significant progress it has already made in eVTOL technology.

In an effort to secure the necessary funding, Lilium is now negotiating with the Bavarian federal state to obtain the €50 million guarantee. There are also hopes that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia could provide financial support. The PIF has been investing heavily in technological innovations, and a contribution of $50-100 million could provide Lilium with a crucial lifeline.

Flying cars have taken an important step from science fiction towards reality. With companies like Chery, Xpeng, Geely, and Lilium working on pioneering technologies, it seems that the age of flying cars is getting closer. However, significant challenges remain, especially regarding regulatory approvals and financial stability, as illustrated by Lilium’s struggles.

It remains to be seen which company will be the first to overcome these obstacles and make flying cars a common sight in our skies, but one thing is certain: the race has already begun.

Note: The emergence of flying cars has the potential to reshape our entire approach to urban mobility, offering solutions that bypass current infrastructure limitations. However, regulatory bodies must catch up to ensure these technologies are integrated safely and responsibly.

Interesting Fact: According to Morgan Stanley, the flying car market could be worth $1.5 trillion by 2040, driven by innovations in aerospace, battery technology, and autonomous systems.