Geely is best known for being the parent company of brands like Volvo and Polestar. Soon, it may be known for flying cars!
In a recent milestone, the AE200 X01, a flying car developed by the aviation branch of Geely, Wofei Changkong, successfully completed its first flight here in 2023. The AE200 X01 is now entering a new stage of flight tests and verifications.
The AE200 X01 is a five-seater, pure electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that was announced by Geely in August 2022. Since then, the company’s engineers have been working hard to achieve an airworthiness certificate.
In November 2022, the AE200 X01 became the first manned eVTOL vehicle to receive an aircraft-type certification in China, and in December 2022, it completed all key system flight tests and rolled off the assembly line.
The AE200 X01 is designed for urban and intercity travel and is set to launch in 2024. Wofei Changkong has stated that the company will focus on key technology verification, flight tests, and collecting flight safety data to ensure that the AE200 meets all airworthiness requirements.
Flying cars are not a new concept in China, as the government is actively promoting policies and regulations to aid manufacturers. For example, back in July 2022, Xpeng completed a flying car trial factory and showcased its flying car in Dubai.
Geely has invested in several flying car projects, and the AE200 X01 is the result of a partnership between Wofei Changkong and German air taxi company Volocopter.
Geely’s eVTOL Image Gallery
SOURCE | IMAGES: CARNEWSCHINA
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