Aston Martin Rolls-Royce Flying Taxi Concepts

No, Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce have not jointly developed a flying taxi concept; the two luxury carmakers have pursued separate, independent projects. Aston Martin revealed the Volante Vision Concept in 2018, while Rolls-Royce unveiled its own EVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) concept in the same year. This article details each concept, how they work, and the broader context of luxury flying taxis.

The Aston Martin Volante Vision Concept

Aston Martin’s Volante Vision Concept is a hybrid-electric flying luxury vehicle designed for urban air mobility. It was unveiled in July 2018 as a design study, not a production model. The concept seats three people—one pilot and two passengers—in a tandem layout, with the pilot at the front and passengers behind. It features a sleek, aerodynamic body with a V-shaped tail, and it uses two rear propellers and two ducted fans on the sides for vertical lift and forward flight. The powerplant is a hybrid system combining a turbocharged engine with electric motors, though Aston Martin did not disclose specific power figures or range. The company stated that the concept was developed in partnership with Cranfield University and Rolls-Royce (the aerospace engine maker, not the car brand), but that partnership was for engineering consultancy, not a joint product.

The Rolls-Royce EVTOL Concept

Rolls-Royce (the British aerospace and defense company) presented its own flying taxi concept in March 2018, called the EVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing). This concept is a five-seat, all-electric aircraft designed for ride-sharing and air taxi services. It uses a single large fan at the rear for forward thrust and six smaller rotors on the wings for vertical lift. The design is notable for its high-wing configuration and a fuselage that resembles a small business jet. Rolls-Royce said the EVTOL could carry up to five passengers over a range of about 500 miles (800 km) at speeds up to 250 mph (400 km/h), though these were early estimates. The company also stated that the battery technology required for such a range was not yet available, so the concept was a future vision rather than a near-term product.

Why the Confusion? The Shared Name

The confusion between Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce flying taxi concepts likely stems from the fact that both companies are British luxury brands, and both announced air mobility concepts in 2018. Additionally, Aston Martin’s Volante Vision Concept was developed with the aerospace division of Rolls-Royce Holdings, which is a separate entity from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The two companies share the Rolls-Royce name but are completely independent: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is owned by BMW, while Rolls-Royce Holdings is an aerospace and defense firm. This overlap in names and the timing of the announcements have led many to assume a joint venture, but no such collaboration exists.

How These Flying Taxis Work

Both concepts are based on the same fundamental principles as other electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. They use multiple rotors to lift off vertically, then transition to forward flight using either tilt rotors or separate cruise propellers. The key components include:

• Electric motors – power the rotors, providing quiet and efficient propulsion.
• Battery packs – store energy; current technology limits range, so hybrid systems (like Aston Martin’s) or advanced batteries are needed.
• Fly-by-wire controls – computer systems that manage the complex aerodynamics and ensure stability.
• Autonomous or piloted operation – many concepts are designed for autonomous flight, but current regulations require a pilot on board.

The main challenge is battery energy density. Lithium-ion batteries store far less energy per kilogram than jet fuel, so eVTOLs have limited range. Aston Martin’s hybrid approach mitigates this by using a fuel-powered generator to recharge the batteries in flight, while Rolls-Royce’s all-electric concept relies on future battery improvements.

Common Problems and Limitations

Both concepts face several hurdles before becoming reality:

• Regulatory certification – aviation authorities like the FAA and EASA have no established certification path for eVTOLs, though they are working on it.
• Battery technology – current batteries are too heavy and have insufficient range for practical use.
• Noise – while electric rotors are quieter than helicopters, they still produce significant noise, which may limit urban operations.
• Infrastructure – vertiports (take-off and landing pads) need to be built, and air traffic management systems must be updated.
• Cost – early eVTOLs will be expensive, making them viable only for premium services initially.

Comparisons with Other Flying Taxi Concepts

Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce are not the only luxury brands exploring air taxis. Other notable concepts include:

• Airbus CityAirbus – an autonomous, four-passenger eVTOL that completed test flights in 2020.
• Volocopter – a German company with a multi-rotor eVTOL that has flown in Singapore and Dubai.
• Joby Aviation – a California-based startup with a five-seat eVTOL that has flown over 1,000 test flights.
• Uber Elevate – a program that partnered with various manufacturers, though Uber later sold its air taxi division to Joby.

Compared to these, Aston Martin’s and Rolls-Royce’s concepts are more focused on luxury and style, whereas others prioritize practicality and cost. For example, Volocopter’s design is simpler and more utilitarian, while Aston Martin’s Volante Vision Concept emphasizes aesthetics and premium materials.

Costs and Market Outlook

No official pricing has been announced for either concept, but industry analysts expect early eVTOL air taxi rides to cost between $100 and $300 per passenger for short urban trips. This is comparable to a helicopter ride but could drop as the technology matures and scales. The global air taxi market is projected to reach several billion dollars by 2030, with major players like Joby, Archer, and Lilium planning commercial launches in the mid-2020s. Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce have not announced commercialization timelines, suggesting their concepts are more about brand positioning and future vision than immediate business plans.

Safety and Certification

Safety is the biggest concern for flying taxis. Both concepts would need to meet stringent aviation safety standards, including redundant systems for propulsion, power, and flight control. For example, if one rotor fails, the aircraft must still be able to land safely. Certification will likely require thousands of test flight hours and may take years. The first eVTOLs are expected to operate initially with a pilot on board, with autonomous operation phased in later as regulations evolve. Passengers will also need to be comfortable with the safety record, which will be scrutinized heavily in the early years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce actually building flying taxis?

No, both are only concept studies. Aston Martin’s Volante Vision Concept and Rolls-Royce’s EVTOL are design exercises to showcase future possibilities. Neither company has announced plans to manufacture or sell these vehicles.

Is there a connection between Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce air taxis?

The only connection is that Aston Martin’s Volante Vision Concept was developed with the aerospace division of Rolls-Royce Holdings (the engine maker). This is a separate company from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the luxury car brand. The two air taxi concepts are independent projects.

When will flying taxis be available to the public?

Several companies, including Joby, Archer, and Volocopter, plan to launch commercial air taxi services in the mid-2020s, but these will be limited to specific cities and routes. Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce have not given any timelines for their concepts.

How much will a flying taxi ride cost?

Early estimates suggest $100–$300 per passenger for short urban trips, similar to helicopter rides. As the technology scales, prices could drop to $50–$100 per ride, making them competitive with ground taxis for longer distances.

Are flying taxis safe?

Safety is a top priority, and eVTOLs are designed with multiple redundancies, such as multiple rotors and independent power systems. However, they are not yet certified by aviation authorities, and it will take years of testing to prove their safety. Initially, they will likely operate with a pilot on board.

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