German aerospace company Lilium wants to revolutionize air travel with its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) jet.

“Revolutionizing means going to zero emissions,” Lilium CEO Klaus Royo told CNBC Tech in an interview.

“We want to create a regional aircraft with adequate transport capacity that will have a meaningful impact on reducing CO2 emissions.”

Less than a decade after being founded by four university students, the group is now one of Europe’s leading eVTOL companies. In 2019, Lilium completed the test flight of its all-electric five-seat aircraft. It is targeting certification by 2026.

“There was a lot of efficiency gained through the structure through the system, especially through the engines. However, you can see that it’s kind of plateauing now,” said Royo.

“Achieving another 20%-30%, in terms of CO2 reduction, is very difficult. So, you have to make a leap in terms of technology.”

Lilium, which is backed by the likes of China. Tencent And early bird venture capital has started taking orders from the premium market. A jet would cost around $9 million.

The company is also developing a six-seat version, which will set the buyer back around $7 million.

The EVTOL space is fiercely competitive, with more than 400 companies and innovators registering designs on the World EVTOL Aircraft Directory.

However, Daniel Wiegand, Lilium’s chief engineer for innovation and futures programs, said the company has an offering that differentiates itself from its competitors.

“Most of our colleagues are using propellers. The advantage of these propellers is that they are a little easier to design and require less power for takeoff and landing, but they are less efficient in cruise flight,” Weigand said. said

“We are focusing on regional flights. We have chosen jet technology because it gives longer range.”

Watch the video above for CNBC Tech: The Edge’s Tour of Lilium’s Facility in Weßling, Bavaria.