Covestro has partnered with GOVY Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. (GAC), to drive innovation in materials for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The collaboration aims to accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge, sustainable material solutions for urban air mobility. This partnership is part of a broader initiative, with Covestro being one of eight companies to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GOVY. The MOU also includes partners specializing in AI, low-altitude aviation technology, and carbon fiber composites, all focused on advancing eVTOL aircraft.

Covestro’s role in this collaboration focuses on leveraging its expertise in high-performance, sustainable materials. As the development of flying cars gains momentum, Covestro’s contribution will be crucial to creating innovative solutions that are efficient and environmentally friendly. Lily Wang, President of Covestro’s Engineering Plastics Business Entity, expressed that the partnership marks a major step forward in transforming urban air mobility. She emphasized that by combining Covestro’s sustainable materials expertise with GAC’s leadership in flying car development, they are poised to redefine urban transport possibilities.

Su Qingpeng, General Manager of GOVY, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in accelerating the development of flying cars. He noted that the partnership with Covestro, alongside other industry leaders, will help create safe, sustainable, and groundbreaking transportation solutions tailored to urban environments.

China is positioning itself as a key player in the eVTOL sector, leveraging advancements in battery technology to integrate these vehicles into urban transportation networks. The potential benefits of eVTOL aircraft are significant, with the ability to alleviate urban congestion, reduce pollution, and improve connectivity, which aligns with both consumer demand for efficient transport and the government's focus on technological innovation and sustainable development. These vehicles are designed for short-distance travel, with current models offering ranges suitable for inter-city commutes.

The collaboration between Covestro and GOVY will focus on several key areas. Among the priorities are the development of polycarbonate glazing solutions that reduce vehicle weight while maintaining safety and performance standards, as well as the creation of materials for smart lighting systems tailored to eVTOL aircraft needs. The partnership will also work on high-performance materials for integrating smart systems and components. Additionally, an emphasis will be placed on low-carbon solutions, using bio-circular content and recycled materials to minimize emissions throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.

At the signing ceremony, a demo flying car was unveiled, showcasing a hybrid design with both fixed-wing and rotary-wing capabilities. This prototype, capable of reaching 200 kilometers in 40 minutes, represents a blend of airplane-like forward flight efficiency and helicopter-like vertical takeoff and landing versatility. Pre-orders for this innovative vehicle will begin in 2025, marking the beginning of a new era in urban transportation.