Highlights:
- Toyota joins hands with Joby Aviation and Hyundai ties up with Uber to develop a futuristic air taxi.
- Joby plans to launch an air taxi by 2023.
Introduction:
The concept of electric cars and flying cars I have started to gain traction. Initially it was just a concept since we watched scientific fiction movies a lot.
But major brands like Toyota, Uber Hyundai , Airbus and Boeing have started planning for the development of flying taxis. With this, the dream of flying into an air taxi will soon be a reality.
The goal behind the development of air taxi is to work a way around the heavy traffic. Moreover, the air taxis can fly at 180 mph at altitude of about 1000 to 2000 feet. But according to NASA they plan to cover an altitude of about 5,000 feet.
Market analysis:
The brands plan to continue the development of this concept to make it a huge success globally. The autonomous urban aircraft market may reach $1.5 trillion by 2040. This trend will bring a confluence of technology. This includes autonomous vehicles like drones and self driving cars. They will bring efficient batteries and technologically advanced manufacturing methods.
It is obvious that companies are rushing to grab a section of the market for the concept. This business has a potential to disrupt the concept of urban mobility. This is why the investors are ready to pour millions for the commercialization efforts.
The electric air taxis come in several shapes and sizes and look quite different from conventional aircraft. Electric motors replace jet engines and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft is designed to avoid the long runways.
Sky based tie-ups:
This January Toyota announced an investment of $394 million into Jony Aviation. The company is developing a piloted all-electric vertical takeoff and landing air taxi.
The financing round worth dollar 590 million will help the company launch the electric air taxi service by 2023. The startup is building a prototype where it will eventually approach the cost of ground transportation. This will help a billion people save more than an hour in commuting time.
Statement from Joby’s Spokesperson:
“Joby has developed advanced technology and integrated it into an amazing aircraft through thoughtful design; this is the key to successful market entry and the commercial success of our products,” says Joby spokesperson Mojgan Khalili. “Joby Aviation’s aircraft is designed for four passengers plus a pilot. It can travel more than 150 miles on a single charge, is 100 times quieter than conventional aircraft during takeoff and landing, and is near silent in flyover.”
How Hyundai is investing in air taxi development:
Hyundai joins hands with Uber to show off a mockup of a large flying taxi e at a consumer electronics show. This show happened in Las Vegas for the Uber Elevate aerial ride-hailing service.
The electrically powered personal air vehicle will carry four passengers for a distance of 60 miles at a speed of 180 mph. They will be able to to cover the altitude of up to 2000 feet.
