Eve Air Mobility has officially joined the competitive air taxi market. The Brazilian startup, a subsidiary of aerospace giant Embraer, revealed the full-scale prototype of its new electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at the 45th Farnborough Airshow in the U.K. on Sunday.
This battery-powered aircraft is outfitted with two electric motors, eight dedicated propellers for vertical flight, and fixed wings for cruising. The current prototype, designed to be flown remotely during upcoming tests, won’t carry passengers or a pilot. However, the final model aims to transport four passengers and a pilot, with an estimated range of 60 miles (100 km), making it ideal for inner-city commuting. Details regarding its expected speeds or flight times have not yet been disclosed.
“Our global team of engineers has shown exceptional dedication and expertise to successfully assemble our first full-scale eVTOL prototype,” Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility, said in a statement. “This is a significant milestone that underscores our commitment to safety, accessibility, and innovation.”
Alongside unveiling the prototype, Eve announced the selection of all primary suppliers for the production aircraft. Diehl Aviation will design and produce the interior, while ASE will supply the power distribution system. The startup also revealed it has secured an additional $94 million in funding from multiple investors, providing sufficient capital to advance the eVTOL through its next development and certification stages.
Eve plans to fly the prototype by the end of this year or early 2025, followed by extensive testing campaigns to evaluate safety and performance. “As we now turn our attention toward the preparation of a rigorous testing campaign, we are not just creating an aircraft; we’re building a comprehensive ecosystem of solutions that will shape the future of the Advanced Air Mobility industry,” Bordais added.
The company aims to have five conforming prototypes ready by next year and a pre-series eVTOL built by 2026 to aid in the certification process. Eve applied for certification with Brazil’s civil aviation regulator in 2022 and anticipates receiving flight approval by 2026.
Despite the intense competition, Eve is one of a dozen startups developing emission-free air taxis and has already attracted a few clients. The company has garnered nearly 3,000 potential orders ahead of production, with interest from United Airlines, Global Crossing, and Azorra among others. Eve’s first eVTOL production facility will be located in Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil, with an initial production capacity of up to 480 aircraft per year, expandable as demand and capital increase.
