Maruti targets the skies, to develop electric air copters
These e-air copters (also called SkyDrive), are likely to be launched at the Osaka Expo in 2025. It will be designed to carry up to three passengers, including the pilot.
image for illustrative purpose
Maruti, in alliance with Suzuki, to debut its e-air copters (flying cars) in 2025
Maruti, the auto giant that put India on the wheels long back, is now preparing to aim for the sky. The firm, in association with its parent company Suzuki, is slated to venture into a farsighted, pioneering business to develop electric air copters (e-air copters). Initially, the e-air copters are scheduled to be introduced only in Japan and the US, before expanding its base in India.
These air copters (also called air taxis or SkyDrive) are likely to be rolled out at the Osaka Expo in Japan in 2025. It will be designed to carry up to three passengers, including the pilot. These mobility solutions are planned to be bigger than drones but smaller than conventional helicopters.
The electric copters are expected to change the dynamics of future transportation facilities. Maruti aims to launch this technology in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The company is also planning to manufacture the air taxis locally to decrease the prices besides launching the e-air copters in India for sales.
How will it be different from a traditional helicopter?
The e-air copters will be approximately half of the weight of a traditional helicopter weighing around 1.4 tonnes while taking off from the ground. The lightweight will enable it to use the rooftops with ease for take-off and landing. Also, due to electrification, the manufacturing and maintenance costs are considerably reduced.
