The GAC Govy AirJet is an aerial taxi EV

Chinese automaker GAC and its sub-brand Govy have unveiled the Airjet, their first autopilot-capable flying car. It is capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and will become available for ordering in 2025, although the first test flights won’t happen until 2027.

Govy (domestic name “Gaoyu”) is a brand established by GAC specifically for autonomous flying taxis. Its first-ever prototype was called GOVE and essentially represented a two-part transformer – an aerial drone mounted on a land chassis. In contrast, the new Airjet seen here is meant purely for flight – you won’t see it in traffic.

The concept looks like a cross between a plane and a helicopter. It has a low-drag cabin and eight rotors. GAC hasn’t mentioned any parameters like the weight yet, but pointed out that it consists of 90% carbon compounds.

In its current design implementation, the Govy Airjet can accelerate to a top speed   of 250 km/h (155 mph) and cover 200 km (124 miles) per charge. Charging up the battery takes only 30 minutes. Later on, when GAC starts producing its own solid-state batteries, the range may double – at least, the company hopes so, because there still hurdles to overcome.

At the same time, the company is working on a Govy AirCar, a simpler personal transport concept with enough electricity for 20 km (12.4 miles) of flight.

A look inside the cabin reveals three seat rows with individual seats in the first two rows and a short bench at the back. It looks like the bench also seats two passengers at most. A large display mounted at the front end displays the main flight info. A storied shelf at the right side accommodates armrests, cup holders, audio speakers, wireless chargers and lighting.

Right now, GAC is busy obtaining airworthiness certificates for the Airjet and assembling the first prototypes. There are no full-blown commercial use plans for the taxi just yet: at this moment, the company says it will be happy to start testing it in two, maybe three cities in China.