NAIROBI, Kenya- Electric aircraft maker Eve has unveiled the full-scale prototype of its much-anticipated “flying taxi,” marking a significant milestone as the company aims to secure certification and begin service by 2026.
Controlled by Embraer, Eve showcased its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at an event held at Embraer’s plant in Brazil last week.
Eve’s CEO, Johann Bordais, shared that the prototype is equipped with electric engines but currently lacks a cabin or pilot.
This initial version is designed for remote testing to evaluate aerodynamics and the crucial transition from vertical to horizontal flight.
Bordais expects the prototype to take to the skies by the end of this year or early 2025, following ground tests that commenced in July.
“This prototype is completely remote so we can test aerodynamics, start flying, and then make what we call the transition flight from vertical to horizontal flight,” Bordais explained.
He emphasized that achieving a full-scale prototype ready for tests is a crucial step toward certifying the aircraft, a process they aim to complete by 2026.
Eve applied for certification from Brazil’s civil aviation regulator in 2022. To support this effort, the company plans to have five conforming prototypes ready next year and a pre-series eVTOL by 2026.
Despite these advancements, the company faces broader challenges such as the readiness of power grids worldwide to support flying cars, from the electricity supply to vertical take-off and landing ports.
This month, Eve announced a new round of fundraising totaling $94 million, with investments from Embraer and Japan’s Nidec, one of its key suppliers.
“This gives us comfort that we will be able to keep developing this product until 2027,” Bordais said, ensuring Eve’s cash needs are met through the certification process.
Eve’s unveiling of its full-scale prototype represents a significant step toward revolutionizing urban air mobility.
