Hybrid-Electric Alternative for eVTOL Air Taxi Unveiled by Vertical Aerospace
Vertical Aerospace unveiled plans to expand its portfolio on Monday, with the U.K. company announcing its intent to develop a hybrid-electric version of its VX4 air taxi prototype. This new model promises enhanced capabilities, particularly in terms of range and versality, compared to the existing all-electric VX4.
The key improvement in the hybrid-electric model lies in its range: a projected capability of up to 1,000 nautical miles (1,600 kilometers), representing a tenfold increase over the all-electric VX4. The propulsion system, under development for the past 18 months, utilizes proprietary battery technology and can be seamlessly integrated onto the VX4 airframe without significant redesign.
Beyond the extended range, the hybrid-electric VTOL also maintains the same payload capacity as its electric predecessor—up to 2,425 pounds—and can be tailored for various payload configurations. The model is designed to support crewed, remote, or unmanned flight operations, a feature enabled by its Honeywell flight control system.
This new aircraft's capabilities offer several advantages for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) applications beyond passenger services. The increased range, coupled with its greater payload capacity, positions the hybrid-electric VTOL as a promising choice for defense, logistics, air ambulance services, and other sectors where the all-electric VX4 falls short. Vertical is actively engaging in discussions with potential customers and governments to explore these opportunities.
Long-range air mobility and diverse applications represent significant market potential for Vertical. The company aims to deliver its hybrid-electric VTOL to 150 customers by the end of the decade, targeting a production rate of 200 aircraft per year. In addition, it has secured approximately 1,500 orders for the all-electric VX4, including a commitment for up to 250 aircraft from American Airlines.
As the eVTOL industry evolves, manufacturers increasingly focus on diversifying their offerings. Beta Technologies, for instance, is working on a conventional takeoff and landing design alongside its Alia eVTOL. Joby Aviation is exploring a liquid hydrogen-powered model with a substantial range enhancement. Archer Aviation has launched a defense unit to develop a hybrid-electric iteration of its Midnight eVTOL.
Meanwhile, other manufacturers are venturing into electric or hybrid-electric aircraft without the VTOL capability, such as Electra's ultra-short EL9, Heart Aerospace's ES-30, Ampaire's Electric EEL, and the EcoPulse collaboration between Daher, Safran, and Airbus.
Amid this competitive landscape, Vertical stands as the "only remaining credible European eVTOL company" following the insolvency filings of German rivals Lilium and Volocopter's acquisition by a Chinese-owned aircraft manufacturer. The company's focus on a hybrid-electric VTOL model underscores its ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of air mobility.
- Vertical Aerospace's upcoming hybrid-electric version of the VX4 air taxi prototype, with a promised range of up to 1,000 nautical miles, is set to revolutionize aviation, offering a tenfold increase over the all-electric VX4.
- The hybrid-electric VTOL model, equipped with proprietary battery technology and seamlessly integrated onto the VX4 airframe, also maintains the same payload capacity as its electric predecessor and can support various flight operations.
- With its enhanced capabilities, the hybrid-electric VTOL poses as a versatile choice for defense, logistics, air ambulance services, and other sectors where the all-electric VX4 falls short, making it a promising contender in the eVTOL industry.
- Amid the rapidly evolving eVTOL industry, Vertical Aerospace stands as the only remaining credible European eVTOL company, pushing the boundaries of air mobility through its focus on hybrid-electric VTOL technology.
