Volocopter is making it a little simpler to hit the skies. The German company just unveiled a new electric multicopter that it says costs the same as a luxury car and could even be as easy to operate. 

The new VoloXPro takes design cues from Volocopter's flagship VoloCity electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, but is lighter than its predecessor. That means it could get certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as an ultralight aircraft by the end of this year, thereby accelerating Volocopter's long-running efforts to get the VoloCity air taxi to market.

Both the VoloXPro and the Volocity are two-seat eVTOLs with 18 electric motors and 18 rotors. They also have identical flight-control computers. The VoloXPro is lighter than the Volocity, though, weighing 1,323 pounnds rather than 2,204 pounds. The battery tech is also slightly different in each aircraft, with the VoloXPro offering a modular system that enables three battery configurations. That means the performance specs differ, too: The VoloXPro is expected to have a cruise speed of 47 mph and a maximum range of 25 miles, while the VoloCity has a cruise speed of up to 68 mph and an operational range of roughly 12 miles. It should be able to recharge to 80 percent in 20 minutes or fully recharge in 25 minutes.

The VoloXPro offers many different technical configurations and variants, ranging from a minimalist cockpit with single-stick control to a high-end version with all the bells and whistles. The interior and exterior can be customized, too, with the option of a single-screen glass cockpit. With such an adaptable design, the VoloXPro can be used for more than just taxiing and passenger transport. It is also perfect for flight schools, flying clubs, air sports enthusiasts, and sightseers. 

"With the ultralight VoloXPro, electric multicopter flying at the safety standard of a passenger aircraft—at the price of a luxury car—will become possible for private customers and commercial operators," Volocopter chief technology officer David Bausek said in a statement. "Thanks to the fly-by-wire control system, flying is easier than ever before, and all of it is low-noise and emissions-free."

The VoloXPro has a base price of $574,000 (490,000 euros), which is on par with a Ferrari SF90 Stradale. Volocopter, which was acquired last year by Diamond Aircraft, expects to have a final prototype ready for flight tests in June, with a demonstration event scheduled for September and type certification planned for the end of 2026. It is continuing to work on the VoloCity and expects type certification in 2027.