GAVIAO PEIXOTO, Brazil (Reuters) – Electric aircraft maker Eve has showcased the full-scale prototype of its “flying taxi.” This Embraer flying taxi marks a significant milestone for the company. Eve aims to obtain certification and enter service by 2026. #EmbraerFlyingTaxi
Eve, controlled by Embraer, unveiled its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft prototype on July 3. The event took place at the Brazilian planemaker’s Gaviao Peixoto plant with investors and clients.
The company is one of many startups worldwide developing battery-powered aircraft. These aircraft can take off and land vertically, helping travelers avoid traffic on short city trips.
Eve aims to fly the prototype by late 2024 or early 2025, CEO Johann Bordais told Reuters, following ground tests in July.
The first non-conforming prototype is equipped with electric engines but does not have a cabin or pilot. The final aircraft will seat four passengers and a pilot. #EmbraerFlyingTaxi
“This prototype is completely remote so we can test aerodynamics, start flying and then make what we call transition flight from vertical to horizontal flight,” Bordais said.
Having the full-scale prototype ready for tests is a key step toward certifying the aircraft. Eve expects to achieve certification by 2026 and applied for it in 2022 to Brazil’s civil aviation regulator.
Eve will have five conforming prototypes ready next year and a pre-series eVTOL by 2026 as part of the certification process, Bordais said.
Transitioning to the next phase, Embraer will focus on refining the Embraer flying taxi prototype. Consequently, this development is expected to pave the way for the future of urban air travel.
