Maruti Suzuki aims to debut electric air copters in 2025, eyes global market: Report

livemint.com:

air taxis, reminiscent of ground-based rideshare services like Uber and Ola, are set to redefine urban transportation dynamics. Speaking at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, Kento Ogura, Assistant Manager at Suzuki Motor, revealed the company's strategic plans to TOI. The debut of the SkyDrive, featuring 12 units of motors and rotors, is slated for the 2025 Osaka Expo in Japan.

Following its unveiling, Maruti Suzuki intends to target potential customers and forge partnerships in India. Reportedly, Ogura emphasized the importance of affordability for success in the Indian market, asserting that the air copters must be priced competitively against traditional helicopters. With a take-off weight almost half that of conventional helicopters, the electric air copters boast the flexibility to utilize building rooftops as launch and landing pads.

Furthermore, the adoption of electrification has significantly reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs, making the venture economically viable, adds the report. The report also adds that Initially offering a range of 15 kilometers, the three-passenger air taxi is expected to double its range by 2029 and further increase to 40 kilometers by 2031 to cater to India's vast geography. Engaging in regulatory discussions with the government, Maruti Suzuki is exploring avenues for manufacturing in India, underscoring the potential cost advantages and synergies associated with local production.