Embraer, Brazil’s conglomerate that produces airplanes and aerospace parts, has unveiled the prototype of its new electric flying car few months ago. Now, the project has received federal fund to become a reality.
Brazil’s Development Bank (BNDES) has approved funding of BRL 500 million for the development of flying cars. The funds will go to Eve Air Mobility, a subsidiary of the country’s plane maker Embraer, which should set up a production unit in Taubaté, São Paulo.
The company is expected to produce up to 480 aircraft a year. The zero-emission vehicle should be made available on the market in 2026.
The battery-powered vehicle will be able to carry four passengers and the pilot for a distance of up to 100 kilometers. Per the specifications, the aircraft will emit up to 90 percent less noise than helicopters.
In the coming decades, the urban air mobility market will be driven by growing populations, land space limitations, and high infrastructure improvement costs, as well as the high local pollution levels of traditional means of transportation, BNDES stated. “With innovative technology, eVTOLs will enable short trips faster than traditional modes and with zero local greenhouse gas emissions,” the institution noted.
Source: Agência Brasil