Lilium's Electric Jet: For When You Want to Fly Green, but Not Very Far
Ah, technology, always advancing. And, in our world of transportation, always trying to impress. Enter the electric flying world: When German company Lilium told me they have a 30-rotor, four-seat electric aircraft, I was already onboard. Almost. But when they tagged it with a $10 million price, my jaw dropped faster than a car's acceleration on nitro.
Firstly, let's get the price out of the way. Yes, $10 million. I mean, if you've got that kind of cash burning a hole in your designer pockets, why not? It’s priced almost twice as much as a gas-powered four-seater jet. But hey, if you're the kind of individual with a private jet (or two) in your garage, this could be the new toy you never knew you needed.
Dimensions? It’s about 110 miles (177 km) long, if you measure it by its flying range. Yes, a tad bit shorter than most helicopters' 350-400 miles and way, way shorter than private jets' 2,000-10,000 nautical miles. I mean, it's almost like buying a Tesla to just drive it to your mailbox at the end of the driveway.
Power outputs? 30 tilt-rotors that can take you as high as 10,000 feet. And let's not forget the battery capacity - just enough to get you from your mansion to that private island you bought last year. But, hey, that’s what your gasoline jet's for, right?
For the executives who wish to make a somewhat quieter entrance, it's the perfect 'last-mile service.' Picture this: you soar into an airport closer to your home, and then... well, send the aircraft back to its base, like sending a dog back to its kennel after a walk. It's sustainable, economical, and comes with a dose of eco-smugness.
Originally dubbed “flying cars”, these eVTOLs have now received some fancy terminologies like urban air mobility and air taxis. But, let’s keep it real. They’re flying machines, and like all flying machines, they have to, you know, fly.
But here's the kicker – Lilium hasn't received the green light to let their electric baby soar in their main markets, the US and Europe. Certification is expected in 2025. And if you’re thinking, "Is this putting the cart before the horse?" Well, Lilium says that’s just how the private aviation market rolls. Customary, indeed!
And if you're from Texas, specifically in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, or Austin, you might just see more of these around. That's where Lilium's focusing their sales.
It hasn't all been clear skies for the eVTOL industry. Startups have vanished, drama unfolded, fires kindled, and there have been crashes (thankfully, uncrewed). China's EHang has passed its tests and Lilium claims they're far ahead in the race. As they say, "Anyone can announce anything." But Lilium's selling, not just announcing.
So, if you've got deep pockets and a penchant for trying out the latest in transportation (and a touch of eco-consciousness), this electric jet might just be your next purchase. Remember though, while you might not be able to go that far, you’ll definitely be arriving in style. Electrically.
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
