Electric flying car that takes off vertically could be future of transport

German company Lilium beats Google and Uber to successfully test a VTOL jet that could be used as a city taxi

The once fanciful concept of flying cars appears to be a step closer to reality, after a German company completed successful test flights of a "flying taxi".

Munich-based Lilium, backed by investors who include Skype co-founder Niklas Zennstrim, said the planned five-seater jet, which will be capable of vertical take-off and landing, could be used for urban air-taxi and ride-sharing services.