It still sounds like something out of a movie: taxis that fly. In the future, the idea of e-flying taxis is real, but also very concrete: The Munich-based company Lilium wants to go into series production in 2024 and start operations in Germany, Florida and Brazil. The question is how and where to charge such electric air taxis: The Swiss technology group ABB now wants to develop, test and provide a fast charging network for Lilium. The charging stations should fully charge the batteries of the small aircraft in about 30 minutes and allow each e-air taxi 20 to 25 flights per day, said Lilium.
The so-called megawatt charging system is intended to enable charging with direct current with an output of up to 1000 kilowatts and can also be used for heavy electric trucks and e-buses. Lilium boss Daniel Wiegand said: “Together we want to set the industry standard for charging electric aircraft.” The Head of ABB’s Electromobility Division, Frank Muehlon, said: “By supporting the new megawatt charging standard, ABB E-Mobility is paving the way for the electrification of all modes of transport, from cars and trucks to ships, mining vehicles and now also aviation . “
Lilium is listed on the Nasdaq. The electric jets have space for seven seats and a range of 250 kilometers. They should take off and land vertically, but cover the distance with the help of wings like conventional aircraft.