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