Embraer, the Brazilian aircraft manufacturer, has unveiled plans to build a new factory near Sao Paulo, dedicated to producing electric flying taxis by its subsidiary, Eve. The company aims to

have these futuristic air taxis operational by 2026, offering a convenient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

Resembling small helicopters, the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will be capable of carrying up to six passengers and are designed to travel long distances without the need for a runway. The electric motors used in these air taxis will significantly reduce noise and pollution compared to traditional planes.

Eve has already secured orders for nearly 3,000 air taxis and hopes to develop a prototype this year. In the United States, regulators have released a timeline that anticipates air taxis taking to the skies as early as 2025.

The cost of a trip on these air taxis is projected to be between $50 and $100 per person, making them an affordable and efficient solution for reducing traffic congestion in crowded cities. Additionally, they are seen as a promising alternative for transporting cargo.

The factory will be established in Taubate, situated about 140km (87 miles) from Sao Paulo, the economic capital of Brazil. The initial flights will involve a pilot, but the company has plans to introduce self-piloted vehicles in the future.

These 100% electric air taxis will enable emission-free flights, contributing to a cleaner and greener future for urban mobility. As the electric aviation industry continues to advance, these innovative eVTOL aircraft represent a significant step towards sustainable transportation solutions. Photo by Francisco Anzola, Wikimedia commons.