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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider Flying electric taxis may soon take flight in 2025, starting in NYC

Flying electric taxis may soon take flight in 2025, starting in NYC

Published Nov 16, 2023 01:42 pm

At A Glance

  • The demonstration of electric flying taxis in New York City by Joby Aviation and Volocopter marks a significant leap in urban transportation innovation. The electric helicopters, categorized as eVTOLs (electrified vehicle take-off and landing), offer a quiet and emission-less mode of travel, aiming to reduce travel time between JFK Airport and Downtown Manhattan to just seven minutes. This represents a futuristic approach to addressing urban congestion and providing a unique, efficient travel experience.
  • The introduction of three electrified helipad stations, including the Downtown Manhattan Helipad and East 34th Street, showcases a commitment to building the necessary infrastructure for electric flying taxis.
Joby.png
Image by Joby Aviations

 

Demonstrated earlier at New York City was an electric flying taxi, from Joby Aviations and Volocopter. 

Yes, you heard that right. A flying electric taxi. Technically it’s an electric helicopter, breezing through the New York skylines in quiet, emission-less transportation. 

Check the video below:

 

According to Reuters the travel time between JFK Airport to Downtown Manhattan is seven minutes. 

The idea here is to transport passengers from JFK Airport to downtown Manhattan. There will be three electrified helipad stations, the Downtown Manhattan Helipad and East 34th Street. The third helipad is privately owned, and would probably be used by more high-profile people. 

The electrified aircraft will charge for five minutes upon touchdown on the helipad before it takes flight again. 

This line of electrified vehicles are called eVTOL, which stands for electrified vehicle take-off and landing. 

Joby’s eVTOL contains a four-passenger seat. There was no mention of how many of these vehicles will be deployed.  Assuming each roundtrip takes about twenty minutes and is only capable of carrying four passengers, then it seems braver to actually take a regular taxi. Unless you’re just in it for the experience---imagine flying across New York City!

No details on how much the flying taxi will cost, but according to Joby, the price will be comparable to ridesharing prices. 

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