Germany's Volocopter said it has received 25 million euros ($30 million) in funding to develop an electric flying taxi, with car and truck maker Daimler among the firms providing fresh cash. Volocopter said it is developing a five-seat vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) electric vehicle aimed at the taxi market and plans to carry out initial demonstrations in the fourth quarter of 2017. Dubai is probably the best place for Volocopter to conduct its pilot trials, considering the city is planning to carry out 25 percent of passenger transport through autonomous vehicles by 2030. The Volocopter 2X has 18 quiet rotors, simple operation using a single joystick and the highest degree of reliability. It will have a maximum payload of 160 kg and maximum range of 27 km, according to the firm’s website.(Photo/VCG)
