In an effort to develop its E20 eVTOL aircraft, TCab Tech raised RMB100 million ($15 million) this week. With support from Kunlun Capital, KIP Capital, BlueRun Ventures, and Decent Capital, Grand Flight led the pre-Series A funding round.

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A $10 million seed round was raised in 2021 to facilitate the investments. Former executives from Terrafugia (part of the Geely automotive group and now known as Aerofugia) and AutoFlight founded TCab Tech.Former executives from Terrafugia (part of the Geely automotive group and now known as Aerofugia) and AutoFlight founded TCab Tech.

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China's Civil Aviation Administration plans to certify the five-seat E20 aircraft by 2025. A T-shaped tail section and two pairs of tilting rotors were fitted to the ends of the main wing, which TCab Tech unveiled in 2022. During cruise flights, the aircraft has two fixed lift rotors mounted on a beam forward from the wing.

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The French aerospace group Safran will provide the E20 with its EngineUs electric motors in May 2022, according to TCab Tech. Each rotor will be powered by a 100-kilowatt EngineUs 100 motor, which Safran plans to type-certify before the end of 2023. A thermal management system will also be provided by the aircraft engine manufacturer.

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According to TCab Tech, the piloted E20 aircraft can carry up to four passengers and will be used for aerial ridesharing services. A 200-kilometer (125-mile) range is expected, as well as a cruising speed of 260 km/h (162 mph). The company says TCab stands for “Time Taxi.” 

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“With a pragmatic attitude, our team will continue to accelerate the commercialization of the E20 eVTOL, creating aircraft of high commercial value and facilitating urban air mobility in China and Asia Pacific," said founder and CEO Yon Wui Ng.

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