In the rapidly evolving world of mobility, the air taxis of the future seem to catch the most attention. These flying cars or air taxis could alleviate urban congestion, enable swift emergency responses, and could open new avenues for low-altitude tourism in the future. They are also much more eco-friendly as compared to traditional helicopters.
Aerofugia Technology, a subsidiary of automotive giant Geely Group that also owns Volvo and Lotus, recently rolled out its AE200-100 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from its production factory in Chengdu, China. This is China’s first passenger eVTOL aircraft.
The Rise of Aerofugia: From Startup to Low-Altitude Leader
Aerofugia was formally established in 2020 to develop low-altitude intelligent transportation aircraft. Backed by Geely’s resources and a strategic joint venture with German eVTOL pioneer Volocopter in 2021, Aerofugia quickly positioned itself as a key player in the world’s emerging low-altitude flying market. In 2017, Geely had also acquired US-based Terrafugia.
Aerofugia has received the CCAR-135 certification from the CAAC’s Southwest Regional Administration, authorizing the use of irregular passenger transport and sightseeing flights for 1-9 seat aircraft. This position puts Aerofugia alongside EHang as one of the only two Chinese eVTOL firms so far with a commercial operational clearance.
Aerofugia AE200-100 – Future Air Taxis
The AE200-100 is Aerofugia’s flagship product and was fully developed in-house. It is a piloted, six-seat eVTOL that blends cutting-edge tilt-rotor technology.
Unlike competitors, which emphasized fully autonomous flight, Aerofugia smartly prioritized safety and familiarity by including a pilot. This seems to have appealed favorably to regulators and early adopters alike. Aerofugia has received orders of over 1,000 units for the AE200-100 from within China and Thailand.
The Aerofugia AE200-100 stands out with its innovative “eight-rotor, four-tilted-wing” configuration. The four tilting propellers on the wings handle propulsion during cruise, while the four fixed lifting rotors provide dedicated vertical thrust during lift-off, ensuring stable hovers even if one system falters.
The Aerofugia AE200-100 has an all-electric range of 200 km and uses 8 electric motors with semi-solid-state batteries. It boasts a cruising speed of 248 km/h and a maximum takeoff weight of around 2,500 kg. The cabin features a car-like interior with modular three-row seating, large windows, and amenities ideal for short flights like air taxis, emergency, and sightseeing.
The Road Ahead: Certification and Global Ambitions
The AE200 has already completed the all-tilt transition flight test and is now pursuing the airworthiness and type certifications before it is expected to go into mass production by 2026-27.
With China’s airspace reforms and Geely’s capability, Aerofugia seems well-placed in the future air taxi/tourism market. Aerofugia also intends to export it to countries in SoutheastAsia, the Middle East, and Europe, especially through its ties with Volocopter.
In a world presently crowded by unmanned, autonomous flying vehicles, or drones, the AE200’s piloted tilt-rotor edge offers a much more balanced path forward. The hum of eVTOLs like the AE200 could very well redefine how we move through our cities in the future.
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