The skies are going to change in the next few years, as electric flying taxis are likely to become a reality. The idea of electric air travel has been pursued for a long time, but it never took off. Electric batteries were presumed to be too heavy a substitute to normal aviation fuel. However, now the idea is to use electric air taxis for clean and quick aerial journeys over shorter distances.

The latest idea in aviation looks like a super sized drone, which is an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. It can carry a few passengers, can also carry goods, and over time can become pilot less. Powered by batteries, it is emission free, quiet and can attain a speed of nearly 100 – 300 kmph. It can fly about 200 kms. The eVTOLS seem to be the answer to the traffic chaos in big cities , and hold promise of a cleaner environment over time.

The world is looking to start using eVTOLs as early as the next Olympics. Paris has been a first in aviation history many times. The first hot air balloon landed there is 1783, and in 1027, Charles Lindenberg completed the first solo transatlantic air journey. In the Olympics in 2024, the first electric flying taxi service would launch in Paris. Israel has already conducted tests for autonomous drones that can carry passengers and cargo. UAE is set to launch these air taxis in the next three years, with spots having been identified for vertiports i.e. where people can board these cabs.

The US has also started work on eVTOLs, as has China, with these vehicles most likely to be put in operation latest by 2025. India too is in the race to start eVTOLs, encouraging industry to lead this front. Many start-ups and companies are in the fray in trying to bring them to the Indian skies by 2025. As per reports the global market for eVTOls is likely to see a growth from USD 1.2 billion in 2023 to USD 23.4 billion in 2030 with a CAGR of nearly 52%.

It is being predicted that by the 2040s taking an eVTOL would be as normal as using cars. Many major auto and aviation companies like Toyota and Boeing are investing heavily in this sector. This sector is being seen as the next phase of mobility, especially in urban areas. However, there are hurdles to cross before the skies can become our new clean highways.

Regulations have to keep pace; technical certifications for safety are still being worked out as this is an entirely new form of aircraft. There are risks associated with air borne passengers, other aircraft in the skies, things and people on the ground, and hackers. So the sector will need a multi pronged regulatory framework.

Pricing has to become competitive. In Dubai the costs of availing an eVTOL service has been pegged at that of hiring a limousine or higher. The price of the vehicles themselves and of the ride has to come down, so that they do not become a means only for the rich. As per reports, trip prices must fall around 80 per cent from what it costs to currently travel in helicopters. Connected is the need to have infrastructure for their take off and landing. That has to become as accessible as bus stops or train stations for eVTOLs to become a preferred mode of transport.

As the industry develops, many of these issues will resolve. Hopefully, eVTOLs will usher in a cleaner and more sustainable means of transport, changing the skies. Keep looking

Published in Hindi in the Dainik Bhaskar on 6 September 2023