VoloCity

VoloCity: German eVTOL Air Taxi for Urban Mobility

The VoloCity is Volocopter’s fourth-generation urban air mobility craft, built in Germany for the next phase of city transport. Slated for sales in 2026, this two-seat eVTOL has been engineered with city airspace in mind—quiet, compact, and precise. Priced at around $350,000 (£275,000/€320,000), it’s aiming to bridge the gap between ground congestion and rooftop-to-rooftop commuting. Its zero-emission propulsion and redundant safety systems are designed to win over both regulators and noise-sensitive residents.

• First unveiled in its final commercial form during 2023 public demos
• Manufactured in Bruchsal, Germany, with carbon composite airframe
• Target price: $350,000 (£275,000/€320,000) for the initial production run
• Market focus: urban air taxi services in major metropolitan areas

Specs and Technical Highlights:

Battery

Its lithium-ion pack powers 18 electric motors, each driving a fixed-pitch rotor. Expect up to 20 minutes of airborne time, equating to roughly 35 km (22 mi) of range, ideal for quick cross-town hops or airport shuttles. Charging infrastructure will be critical, as the pack is optimized for rapid turnaround between flights. The design sacrifices long-haul endurance for payload stability and redundancy.

• Battery type: lithium-ion
• Flying time: 20 minutes
• Flying range: 35 km (22 mi)
• Charging: rapid turnaround expected between flights

Performance

The aircraft’s 110 km/h (68 mph) maximum speed and 2,000 m (6,562 ft) operational ceiling position it as an urban commuter tool rather than a regional connector. Its 200 kg (441 lb) cargo allowance supports two occupants and light luggage. Handling is bolstered by an intuitive joystick and an array of over 100 microprocessors monitoring flight stability.

• Max speed: 110 km/h (68 mph)
• Flight altitude: 2,000 m (6,562 ft)
• Weight: 700 kg (1,543 lb)
• Cargo capacity: 200 kg (441 lb)

Future iterations may see battery swaps or upgraded packs to stretch range or payload without altering the rotor configuration.

Color Range and Design

Exterior

With 18 slim rotor beams radiating from a compact fuselage, the VoloCity takes its visual cues from large-scale drones. Wraparound cockpit glass maximizes visibility for both pilot and passenger. Landing skids sit lower for easier step-in boarding, and stabilizing fins add aerodynamic balance.

Color Variants

Initial liveries are expected in clean white accented with branding stripes for fleet operators. Carbon-fiber weave panels will remain visible in certain areas, underscoring its lightweight build. Custom paint schemes for premium services or corporate branding will likely follow.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• Zero-emission operation with lithium-ion propulsion
• Compact footprint for urban vertiports
• High redundancy with 18 rotors and multiple fail-safes
• Extremely quiet compared to helicopters

Cons

• Short 35 km (22 mi) range limits mission scope
• High price compared to ground EVs
• Dependent on developing vertiport infrastructure
• Certification timeline subject to regulatory delays

Conclusion on VoloCity

Urban congestion calls for unconventional fixes, and the VoloCity is Volocopter’s bet that commuters will trade asphalt for air lanes. Compact, clean, and engineered for short bursts across the skyline, it offers an early taste of what electric air taxis can deliver once the infrastructure and public confidence catch up.