GAC Group has recently announced the launch of a new brand for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) business in China. The brand, called Govy, made its debut at an event where the first product under this brand, the AirJet flying car, was unveiled. This marks GAC’s second foray into the flying car market, following the introduction of the Gove (now known as AirCar) at a tech day event in June 2023.
The Govy AirJet is a composite-wing flying car with flexible vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, designed to efficiently navigate low-altitude airspace. In comparison to the Gove, which features a design where the vehicle and chassis can be separated, the Govy AirJet utilizes a multi-rotor flight system. The lightweight structure of the Govy AirJet, made from carbon fiber composites, contributes to its agile and versatile flying capabilities.
Described as a Robo-AirTaxi, the Govy AirJet is tailored to meet diverse travel needs within a range of 200 kilometers. With a high-performance electric drive system developed in-house by GAC, the AirJet can reach speeds of up to 250 km/h and has a range of over 200 kilometers. Additionally, the eVTOL can be quickly recharged in just 30 minutes, with plans to integrate GAC’s all-solid-state batteries in the future to extend the range to 400 km.
GAC is gearing up to initiate airworthiness certification for its flying car products in 2025 and is actively working on establishing a production line to meet future demand. Other major players in the Chinese auto industry, such as Changan Automobile, have also hinted at their plans to enter the flying car market, signaling a growing interest in the low-altitude economy.
Looking ahead, the vision for eVTOL technology in China is set to expand rapidly, with industry experts predicting that the country could have 100,000 eVTOLs serving families and travelers by 2030. As the market continues to evolve, companies like GAC are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban air mobility and revolutionizing the way we travel.
