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| Govy AirJet concept from GAC Group seeks to make flying cars a reality by 2027. Image Credit: GAC Group (2025) |
Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group), a Chinese state-owned
automobile manufacturer and the fifth largest automobile manufacturer in
China, announces the launch of a new electric vertical take-off and landing
(eVTOL) brand called Gove, focused on investing in sustainable air
transportation.
Flying cars may be even closer than we expect, the company will focus on the
design and production of flying cars, with the new AirJet currently being its
flagship model. This electrically powered air taxi is said to be able to fly
for up to 200 kilometers (124 miles), making it suitable for long journeys.
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| The AirCar, GAC Group's first ongoing development, is designed for zero-emission trips up to 20 km (12.4 miles). Image Credit: GAC Group (2024) |
BACKGROUND:
In 2023, GAC unveiled a groundbreaking EV/eVTOL combo vehicle called “Gove,”
a name derived from the words “GAC, On the Go, Vertical, and EV.” The Gove
made its debut during GAC’s Tech Day Event in June 2023, where it was
showcased to an eager audience. The company expressed its vision for the
Gove to become a cornerstone of its future mobility lineup.
Since then, updates have been sparse, although we do know that GAC has
rebranded the Gove as “AirCar.”
This name change is unsurprising, given the challenges faced by companies
developing standalone eVTOLs. Achieving the necessary certifications and
building infrastructure for commercial air taxi services is already a
significant hurdle. Combining a road-capable EV with an eVTOL component adds
even more complexity to the equation.
Among its peers, Chinese automaker XPeng seems closest to overcoming these
challenges. Through its eVTOL venture AeroHT, XPeng is developing the “Land
Aircraft Carrier,” an EV/eVTOL hybrid projected to enter scaled production
by 2026.
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| XPENG AEROHT’s ‘modular flying car’ (carrier transport with eVTOL aircraft) will enter mass production, pre-orders begin in Q4. The aircraft module (as seen at CES2025) features a small two-person cockpit made from lightweight carbon fiber and has a six-rotor design with foldable propellers and arms. It can be driven manually or autonomously, and more than 200 units are currently being tested.Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2025) |
Meanwhile, GAC appears to still be refining the AirCar. In addition, the company is expanding its portfolio with a second model, the AirJet, which debuted under its newly established eVTOL-focused business arm, Gove.
The AirJet comprises over 90% carbon fiber, weighing just one-third of a car
body of the same size while being efficient and suitable for longer flights.
The vertical lift-offs and transitional rotors of eVTOLs allow for efficient
and clean cruising through the air, per Interesting Engineering.
Being made of composite materials also makes it easy to produce on a large
scale. It can reach a speed of up to 155 mph and is designed for users'
diverse travel needs, from ground to low altitude.
Current projections for the eVTOL industry show estimates of growth reaching
over $23.4 billion by the year 2030 per Markets and Markets. Generally
touted by its enthusiasts as a sustainable industry and friendly for the
environment, models like the AirJet focus on advancing efficiency and
lessening environmental concerns.
GAC plans to secure certification for its flying cars, set up production
lines, and begin pre-orders for the AirJet and AirCar sometime in 2025. The
company also plans to demonstrate operations for its future products in
Greater Bay Area cities by 2027.
(ht:
TheCoolDown
&
electrek)
... notes from
The EDJE
TAGS: CES, China, Electric Vehicles, Xpeng AeroHT, GAC Group, AirCar, AirJet Gove, eVTOL, The EDJE
