Reaching offices in congested metros across the globe is going to be easy as popular ride-hailing company Uber may soon come with self-flying cars.
US multinational Uber Technologies Inc and South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor have teamed up recently to develop electric air taxis.
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Because of technological and regulatory hurdles, Uber and Hyundai will probably take a longer timelines for commercialization of the self-flying cars.
Eric Allison, head of Uber Elevate, said at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that they have set the goal of launching Uber Air by 2023.
In addition to Hyundai, Boeing’s subsidiary, Aurora Flight Sciences is also a partner in the Uber Air project.
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Hyundai will produce and deploy the flying cars, while Uber will provide aerial ride-share services.
The officials said Hyundai will produce the self-flying electric car to carry up to four passengers with a pilot and fly on trips of up to 100 km.
The Hyundai officials said the cost to produce and operate self flying electric cars should be economic enough for everyone to enjoy the freedom to fly.
Air taxis come in several shapes and sizes, and electric motors replace jet engines.
Hyundai has pledged to invest 1.2 billion pounds for its urban air mobility project by 2025.
In addition to Hyundai, several other vehicle manufacturers, including Germany’s Daimler, China’s Geely Automobile and Japan’s Toyota have also started works on electric flying cars capable of vertical takeoff and landing.
But Uber is the first ride-hailing company to promise economic flying opportunity to everyone.
There are also reports that Boeing has also started working with Porsche, to develop a electric flying vehicle.