Paris, the City of Lights, was once envisioned as the stage for a groundbreaking spectacle: electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) machines, or air taxis, whisking passengers across the cityscape during the 2024 Olympic Games. However, the reality of this future vision is facing strong headwinds, leaving Volocopter, the German company leading this initiative, in a precarious position.
A series of setbacks have dimmed Volocopter’s aspirations. Initially, the company planned to launch a 15-minute air taxi service in Singapore’s Marina Bay area early next year. However, the project has been indefinitely put on hold due to difficulties securing local partners for the substantial funding required.
Adding to these woes, Volocopter’s ambitious plans to showcase their eVTOL technology in Paris during the Olympics have encountered fierce opposition from the city council. Parisian politicians have labeled the project “absurd,” an “ecological aberration,” and a “totally useless, hyper-polluting gimmick” aimed at catering to the wealthy elite.
A Battle of Perspectives
The city council’s opposition stems from a stark contrast in views regarding the practicality and environmental impact of eVTOL technology. Critics highlight the hefty price tag for air taxi services, arguing that only those with deep pockets would benefit from these “luxurious” rides. They also question the environmental sustainability of the technology, citing concerns about energy consumption and noise pollution.
While the council expresses concern about the environment, some of their statements seem ill-informed and even politically motivated. One council member, for example, compared the proposed air taxi service to “self-service scooters,” a widely criticized mode of transportation for its haphazard parking and sidewalk clutter.
However, the council’s argument about the high cost of air travel seems misguided. A quick look at the prices for meals at the Eiffel Tower, a popular tourist destination, shows that spending several hundred euros for a meal is commonplace. While these meals come with scenic views, the argument against the cost of air taxis seems hypocritical, especially given the city’s already high cost of living.
Environmental Concerns and Data Discrepancies
The debate over eVTOL’s environmental impact is further clouded by conflicting data. The city council cites the high energy consumption of air taxis, pointing to a figure of nearly 190 kWh per 100 kilometers. However, this estimate is significantly higher than the energy consumption of electric cars, suggesting that the council may be overstating the environmental impact.
Furthermore, the city’s resistance to eVTOL technology seems incongruent with its history of embracing innovation. Paris, after all, was the city that welcomed Wilbur Wright and his flying machine in 1908, and that celebrated Santos Dumont’s pioneering dirigible flights around the Eiffel Tower.
A Future in Limbo
Despite the city council’s opposition, the French government remains supportive of eVTOL technology. However, the clash between these two entities creates a significant obstacle for Volocopter. With the Olympics approaching, the company is facing a time crunch to secure a permit to operate.
Volocopter and its supporters recognize the need for public education to dispel the misconceptions about the technology. But with time running out, the company may be forced to reconsider its plans for the Paris Olympics.
Looking Beyond Paris
Despite the challenges in Paris, Volocopter remains optimistic about the future of eVTOL technology. The company has plans to launch air taxi services in other cities, including Rome, Osaka, and NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s “giga-city.”
While the acceptance of eVTOL in these locations remains to be seen, the growing demand for urban transportation solutions suggests that the future of air taxis is far from over.
Whether Volocopter’s ambitions will take flight in Paris or other global cities, the future of urban mobility is undergoing a radical transformation. The outcome of the Paris situation will likely serve as a benchmark for other cities considering the adoption of eVTOL technology.
