Vietnamese Startup Airlios to Launch SEA’s First Flying Car

Hanoi-based startup Airlios unveils Southeast Asia’s first electric flying car at the Vietnam Motor Show in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming for its autonomous vehicle to take its first official flight by the end of 2023.

The 2022 edition of the Vietnam Motor Show was held in late October in Ho Chi Minh City, hosting many industry trailblazers including participation and exhibitions from prominent names such as Mitsubishi Motors, Toyota, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and more. In addition, Vietnam’s auto leaders joined the event, and had the opportunity to showcase their innovative technology and new inventions.

Vietnam-headquartered automotive technology startup, Airlios, exhibited a prototype of its commercial electric aircraft during the show, marketed as the first of its kind across Southeast Asia. Making flying cars a reality in Southeast Asia, Airlios, foresees a maiden launch of its autonomous vehicle in Vietnam, by the end of 2023.

@Airlios

The prototype of the flying vehicle is designed to accommodate one person at a time, its single-seat is made of aluminium and carbon fibre. The car is powered using eight brushless electric motors, and holds the ability to withstand great pressure, rising from the ground up to 10 metres in a matter of 10 seconds, while travelling at 100 km per hour. It can be driven both automatically and manually.

It has shown great potential in framing the narrative on air vehicles, as well as the reimagining future of the automotive motor industry. In previous trials, the flying car has risen up to 120 metres, equivalent to the height of a 23-storey building, flying over 33 km in only 20 minutes on a single charge.

@Airlios

The company’s Chief Technology Officer, Mai Thien Vu, had previously mentioned the project stood at around 80% completion, expressing plans “to launch the maiden flight of the commercial version of Airlios by the end of 2023,” and added how “managers and engineers at Airlios began thinking about making flying cars five years ago.”

Upon successfully exhibiting its prototype, the flying vehicle received great praise and interest from the event attendees. Airlios targets to make its first commercial sale in 2024, with its expected price to be valued at around US$81 thousand.