Skip to main content

Rolls-Royce wants to put you in a flying taxi come the early 2020s

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Rolls-Royce wants to take you for a ride in the skies. The U.K.-based jet engine maker has unveiled a new concept for a propulsion system that would power a flying taxi. This would rival similar offerings from Airbus and Uber, and could make air travel far more common (and affordable) than ever before. As it stands, the flying taxi is nothing but an idea, and Rolls-Royce is beginning a search for partners who would help bring this vision to fruition.

The concept electric vertical take-off and landing (EVTOL) vehicle can be customized to suit a number of purposes, including personal transport, public transport, and military applications. Rolls-Royce notes that the hardware and software needed to bring this EVTOL to life either already exists, or is now being developed. Consequently, the engine maker hopes that it could be accepting passengers as soon as the “early 2020s.”

Recommended Videos

Initially, Rolls-Royce hopes to leverage gas turbine technology in order to create the power needed for six electric propulsors, all of which are designed to have a low noise profile. The flying taxi would also have a battery for energy storage, and as configured, would have space enough for four to five passengers. But where things really get interesting is in the EVTOL’s speed and range. The vehicle ought to be able to travel for approximately 500 miles at a top speed of 250 mph, and because its battery would be powered by the gas turbine, it wouldn’t have to make pit stops in order to recharge. Moreover, Rolls-Royce says that its flying taxi would be able to make use of existing infrastructure for take-off and landing, including heliports and airports.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

The EVTOL’s wings, as designed, are capable of rotating 90 degrees, which means that the taxi would be able to take off and land vertically. And because the propellers on the wings could fold away at cruising height, Rolls-Royce believes it has a solution to drag and cabin noise. The first models of the EVTOL will likely boast an M250 gas turbine in the rear of the aircraft, and can be adjusted in order to match the specifications of the hybrid electric propulsion system.

“Electrification is an exciting and inescapable trend across industrial technology markets and while the move to more electric propulsion will be gradual for us, it will ultimately be a revolution,” said Rob Watson, who heads up Rolls-Royce’s electrical team. “Building on our existing expertise in electric technologies and aviation, Rolls-Royce is actively exploring a range of possible markets and applications for electric and hybrid electric flight. We are well placed to play a leading role in the emerging world of personal air mobility and will also look to work in collaboration with a range of partners.

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Uber sells its flying-taxi business to another flying-taxi business
flying taxi

Uber has abandoned its effort to build a so-called “flying car,” taking it out of the race to launch an air-taxi service.

Joby Aviation, which is developing its own all-electric, vertical take-off and landing passenger aircraft (eVTOL), has agreed to acquire Uber’s flying-car unit — Uber Elevate — for an undisclosed sum, Joby announced on Tuesday, December 8.

Read more
You’ve never seen a Rolls-Royce drive quite like this
youve never seen a rolls royce drive quite like this cullinan dunes

Think of a Rolls-Royce and you think of comfort, elegance, and prestige. Think of the automaker’s Cullinan model and you have all those plus a darn exciting ride, according to a new video.

Rolls-Royce’s first all-terrain SUV certainly turned heads when it launched in 2018. Named after the largest gem-quality diamond ever discovered, the Cullinan will set you back at least $330,000 if you bought one today.

Read more
How Johnny Cash’s Rolls Royce transformed into a Tesla-powered EV
johnny cash rolls royce electric conversion

If there is such a thing as an “ordinary” Rolls-Royce, this is it. The long-wheelbase 1970 Silver Shadow is one of the most prolific Rolls models ever, which is why it’s largely ignored by collectors -- and this one in particular is a little rough around the edges. However, this Rolls wears its scars with pride, because they were put there by a famous owner: Johnny Cash. They also hide a remarkable secret: A completely electric powertrain from a Tesla Model S.

This blend of old and new was built by Shift Electric Vehicles of Albany, Oregon, for an anonymous owner, who is a fan of both Johnny Cash and electric cars. After purchasing the car at auction, the owner decided to swap in a complete Tesla powertrain, Shift EV boss Kirk Swaney told Digital Trends.

Read more