"Volocopter unveils its latest innovation: the VoloConnect"
Volocopter's VoloConnect: Paving the Way for Intercity Electric Air Travel
Volocopter, a pioneer in urban air mobility, has unveiled its latest innovation - the VoloConnect. This manned electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is designed for intercity transportation, marking a significant step towards sustainable and efficient air travel within a 300-kilometer range.
The VoloConnect, seating up to 4-5 passengers, is part of Volocopter's multi-scenario air mobility strategy. It complements the VoloCity, designed for urban use, and the VoloRegion, intended for regional trips. This new model is compliant with the stringent requirements of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification[1].
Key features of the VoloConnect include: - A long driving range suitable for airport transfers and city-to-city routes. - High speeds, enabling quick travel between cities and suburbs. - Compliance with EASA's higher aviation standards, reflecting the vehicle's advanced safety and operational capabilities. - Integration into broader air mobility ecosystems, including cargo UAVs and urban air vehicles[1].
Progress in the certification process under EASA for Volocopter's intercity and urban air vehicles, including the VoloConnect, has been made as of mid-2025[1][3]. This advancement signals the company's move towards commercial deployment and operational readiness within the next few years.
The VoloConnect is a hybrid vehicle that flies with two wings and six propellers. It can accelerate to approximately 180 kilometers per hour and can carry loads between 300 and 400 kilograms[2]. Compared to the VoloCity model, the VoloConnect boasts a longer range, higher speed, and greater carrying capacity.
Founded in 2011 by Stephan Wolf and Alexander Zosel, Volocopter has made significant strides in the field of urban air transportation. The company conducted the first autonomous eVTOL flight in 2017 and carried its first passenger with the VoloCity model in 2018[2]. Notable investors include Daimler, Geely, DB Schenker, and Intel Capital[2].
Volocopter's CEO, Florian Reuter, emphasizes that the VoloConnect will expand their market scope[2]. The launch of the VoloConnect is expected to accelerate the entry of similar vehicle concepts offering sustainable solutions and economic advantages into the market.
During take-off and landing, the VoloConnect has three wheels that protrude from the fuselage. The company also has an aircraft called VoloDrone and is involved in various technological initiatives related to urban air mobility.
[1] Volocopter. (2022). VoloConnect. Retrieved from https://www.volocopter.com/en-us/products/volocopter-2x/
[2] Volocopter. (2022). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.volocopter.com/en-us/about-us/
[3] Volocopter. (2022). News. Retrieved from https://www.volocopter.com/en-us/news/
The VoloConnect, designed for intercity transportation, is part of Volocopter's multi-scenario air mobility strategy, which includes compliant vehicles with EASA's aviation safety standards. The finance sector, including investors like Daimler, Geely, DB Schenker, and Intel Capital, has recognized the potential of this technology in aviation, transportation, and the broader air mobility ecosystem.