HomeAviationAn Electric Air Taxi Was Built From a Renault Classic 4L

An Electric Air Taxi Was Built From a Renault Classic 4L

In spite of having the looks of a 4L, one of Europe’s most popular economy cars, the Renault 4Air flies over rush hour traffic with ease.

For the 60th anniversary of the 4L car, which was built in 8 million units between 1961 and 1992, Renault has just released an eVTOL concept that doesn’t look like the time-traveling DeLorean from “Back to the Future.” The Air4 quadcopter was created by TheArsenale, a modern but campy take on the iconic 4L by the French auto brand.

“Air4 is a symbol of independence and freedom, born out of the realization that traffic is compounding, lives are grinding to a halt, and the world above us is unhampered,” according to the company.

In addition to incorporating four propeller arms with two propellers each, the aircraft’s carbon-fiber body has been modernized with a softer, curvier shape. Pilot access to the cockpit is provided by a hinged front body, powered by lithium-polymer batteries with a capacity of 90,000 mAh. A cool, stylized LED light is also included.‍

As TheArsenale points out, the total lifting capacity of the Air4 is about 840 pounds. It has a top speed of 58 mph, a 2,297-foot flight ceiling, and a thrust of 209 pounds per propeller.

“After 25 years of forward-looking research, we believe that the icons of car culture are eternal, whether on earth or in the air,” explains TheArsenale CEO and founder Patrice Meigna. “For 60 years, Renault 4 has been driven by ordinary people who make it extraordinary.”

A concept, the AIR4 has already taken to the skies. Displayed at the Atelier Renault museum in Paris, it will also visit Miami in the coming months, New York in the following year, and Macau in 2020.

This move could help push other European automotive manufacturers to release their concepts for eVTOL air-taxi vehicles. Renault joins Hyundai and Honda in releasing their future plans for eVTOL air-taxi vehicles.

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