Electric Air Taxis Just Got the Green Light for Test Flights Over Texas
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Electric Air Taxis Just Got the Green Light for Test Flights Over Texas
Electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, the flying taxis that have been perpetually just a few years away, have taken a genuinely significant step forward. A new US federal programme kicked off this week in Texas, allowing eVTOL and hybrid-electric aircraft to conduct real test flights before the regulatory framework governing them has even been finalised.
Key Takeaways
- The US Electric Infrastructure Proving Programme (EIPP) has launched in Texas for eVTOL and autonomous aircraft testing
- Participating companies must share operational data with the FAA to inform future rulemaking
- China's EHang received eVTOL certification from Chinese aviation authorities in 2023 and is already operating demonstrations
- Commercial passenger eVTOL services in the US are realistically two to four years away at meaningful scale
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