According to Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, electric flying taxis are expected to start flying in 2026. The Latin America-based aviation giant is now planning to build a new facility close to the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo, to produce flying taxis.
The aircraft, which will be produced by its subsidiary Eve, will look like a little helicopter and have room for up to six passengers.
A journey is expected to cost between USD 50 and USD 100 per person.
According to Eve, it has orders for about 3,000 air taxis already.
In 2023, Embraer has a plan of putting together a prototype. According to a timeline recently given by US regulators, Air taxis might start flying there as early as 2025.
The electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft won’t require a runway and can fly far like an aeroplane. Also, electric motors will reduce noise and pollution compared with standard planes.
According to experts, the aircraft might ease traffic in busy cities without costing too much to passengers. They have also been considered as a cargo transportation alternative.
The facility will be constructed in Taubate, a city located 140 kilometres (87 miles) from Sao Paulo.
According to the AFP news agency, drone-like passenger cars would initially be utilised in taxi fleets.
Meanwhile, according to reports, Brazil’s 99 ride-hailing service intends to increase the number of EVs in its fleet, with a goal of 1,000 in the following 12 months. The action is a commitment made by the corporation to the Alliance for Sustainable Mobility.
Eleven companies are a part of the collaboration, including energy company Raizen, automobile rental company Movida, and Banco BV.
The ride-hailing company, which competes with Uber in Brazil and is owned by China’s DiDi, ended its first year of cooperation with 485 electric vehicles using its platform in Sao Paulo.