Just a few years ago, talking about electric flying vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL) might have sounded like an idea more linked to science fiction. However, rapid evolution in mobility has led to them becoming a reality even sooner than could have been imagined not too long ago.
In this area, it is worth noting that this month of March has been one of the most important milestones for the Japanese eVTOL manufacturer called SkyDrive. And the firm has started commercial production of its flagship, named SD-05. But she has not done it alone, as she has the support of the automobile giant Suzuki.
There are already numerous traditional companies in the automotive sector that are slowly beginning to take advantage of the potential of the new industry of zero-emission flying vehicles. Although it is still early for it to have become a trend, the truth is that some of the largest car manufacturers are looking at this type of innovative electric proposals and collaborating with their developers on issues such as production and material resources.
If we look at some examples, we must take into account the collaboration between the Stellantis group and Archer Aviation, the start-up that produces the Midnight. For its part, Toyota is the largest external shareholder of another company in the sector called Joby Aviation. Meanwhile, as we have mentioned, Suzuki and SkyDrive are working together to launch one of the most anticipated electric air taxis worldwide.
This latest collaboration reached its peak just a few days ago with the official start of manufacturing of the SkyDrive SD-05. This eVTOL will be produced at Suzuki’s facilities in the Japanese city of Iwata. It should not be overlooked that most of the new companies in this nascent industry are still building or renovating their own facilities to begin large-scale production.
Leveraging an existing high-end facility operated by an automotive giant is therefore a clear advantage. Even so, the differences in terms of production seem to be very different depending on the manufacturer. While firms such as the aforementioned Joby and Archer intend to launch at least 500 units per year, SkyDrive is preparing for a production capacity of a hundred units per year through its collaboration with Suzuki.
It must be remembered that the SD-05 is a three-seat electric aircraft, designed for the pilot and two passengers, and equipped with a 12-rotor configuration. Given its nature as a compact and lightweight aerial vehicle, it is aimed at short-distance flights of around 15 km at a maximum speed of 100 km/h.
Next year’s Osaka World Expo will be the event where the vehicle is planned to operate as an air taxi in a public environment for the first time.
