Electric VTOL Taxi Race: Volkswagen, Stellantis, and More at Paris Air Show

Lukas Wopmann / 11 months
19/06/2023
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Taxiservices via VTOL vehicles are still rather new. Some services do already exist, so it was just a question of time, until when the first e-Version will be completely market ready.

China – the trailblazer for the industry?

Since 2022 Volkwagen is already fliying with a passenger drone in the Chinese air space. The “V.MO” is an electric version and is currently being tested in live environment. Four passengers and baggage can be transported for a distance of up to 200 kilometres.

While VW is still testing its product, a new market players uses the Paris Air-Show to present their electric model of future taxi services. Stellantis is presenting their “Archer Midnight”. With an ambitious business model and optimistic timeline, Stellantis aims to enter the market by 2025.

The interieur of the Midnight Archer by Stellantis
***Photo’s source***

VTOL: The race to be the first has begun

It is obvious that the first to enter the market will most likely become the market leader for the next decade. To better understand, let’s compare the above mentioned two versions.

	V.MO	Archer Midnight
Dimension	11.2 x 10.6 meters	no info
Distance	200 km	160 km
Passengers	4	4
Speed	no info	241 km/h
Market readiness (aim)	long-term vision	2025

While Volkswagen’s product offers a better distance, Stellantis has the advantage with the market readiness. In addition, Stellantis’ concepts foresees shorter routes with quick charging (10 minutes). This eliminates the lesser travel distance ability.

And the others?

There are also other competitors. So far, none of them have reached market readiness. A close one is “Posperitiy I” from Autoflight. They apply for certification in Europe and also aim 2025 to be ready. It will fly up to 250 kilometres, however, it will only facilitate 3 passengers.