The Zero Emissions Travel Revolution
Lilium Acing Tests Flights and Going Public
Powered by 36 electric engines, Germany based Lilium's 5th generation demonstrator eVTOL is a sterling example of the zero emissions travel revolution that is rapidly emerging. Lilium continues to go through test flights which demonstrate the aircraft's ability to very quietly vertically take off, fly, hover and vertically land like a helicopter. The 36 electric engines are stacked across the wings. The e-engines are powered by 72 battery systems inside the aircraft. Lilium has a top cruising speed of 175 mph at an altitude of 10,000 feet with a range of more than 155 miles on a charge. Its first market for commercial operations is Florida with 14 cities as hubs for air taxi service within the next 3 to 4 years.
Room for 7 & Getting Production Ready
The current, 5th generation demonstrator Lilium has 7 seats. The sound created when it is flying at 330 feet is the equivalent to a normal human conversation. The quietness of the vehicle is critical for clearance by authorities for use in city locations as an air taxi service. To raise money to start production of the vehicle, Lilium is going public on the Nasdaq. In 2024, it intends to build 90 of its 7 seat aircraft. Some will be deployed for use in Lilium's regional hubs and other will be sold to airlines, including Lufthansa and Brazil's Azul. Azul has ordered 220 of the eVTOLs for delivery in 2025.
Florida Hub
Meanwhile, Lilium is negotiating with government authorities in Central Florida to create its first eVTOL network. The network of working air taxis will connect a Vertiport in the Orlando area with 14 other locations around the state, including Palm Beach and Miami. Lilium isn't the only highly active player in the air taxi arena. California based Joby Aviation is competing directly with Lilium for primacy in this rapidly emerging new mode of zero emissions travel. Joby is the first eVTOL company to partner with NASA for the testing of its flying taxis. The purpose is to accelerate deployment of eVTOLs and to assure the public that eVTOL flying taxis are safe. To take a look at Edward Kane's recent book "The Future of Flying", go to https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B093J89VF5&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_BV8MSFM34JQX483952C9 I co-authored the book with Ed.
