These aircraft are also known as volocopters or eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing). As they start to become more common, we will most likely want to know more about their capabilities.
How fast can electric air taxi planes go? Electric air taxi planes could reach speeds of 205 mph or more. Although the planes currently in existence are prototypes, they could become mainstream by 2024.
One of the major catalysts for the push to develop electric air taxis is the amount of carbon that commercial air flight produces. Although these planes will initially have a limited capacity, their capabilities will increase as the demand grows.
Table of Contents
How Fast Can Electric Air Taxi Planes Go? You Might Be Surprised
Speeds of around 80-205 mph have been achieved in electric air taxi planes expected to reach the market in the future. However, the total speeds may depend on varying factors, such as weather conditions and other air traffic.
What We Know About XPeng’s Air Taxi Model
The Chinese company XPeng unveiled a new electric air taxi in October 2022, according to Euronews. This aircraft’s 90-minute test flight took place in Dubai.
This aircraft boasts a top speed of 80 mph, allowing it to easily pass over congested traffic even in the busiest of cities. The plane can also travel distances of 86 miles in 45 minutes.
The air taxi can operate without a pilot. Air taxi companies will save on salaries!
Weighing slightly over 1,500 lbs, the aircraft is one of the more compact models of electric aircraft that we may see in the future.
What Are the Challenges Facing the XPeng Air Taxi?
Air traffic control, as well as safety, are some of the major concerns surrounding electric aircraft. Despite having a slower speed than larger commercial aircraft, the presence of these planes in already crowded airspace may present a problem in some areas.
Battery life is a challenge for electric vehicles, in general. The faster an aircraft flies, the faster it will exhaust its battery power.
Who Claims to Have the Fastest Electric Air Taxi?
In January 2022, Joby claimed to have created the fastest electric air taxi. The company claimed that its aircraft had reached 205 mph during a test flight.
At the time, this speed was the fastest that any electric air taxi prototype had reached. This speed exceeds XPeng’s aircraft’s speed by a large margin.
Investors have been promised that the plane’s maximum speed is what it reached during the test flight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave clearance for the company to promote a second prototype shortly after the successful test flight.
What Challenges Does Joby Face?
Like other electric air taxis, Joby vehicles feature infrastructure issues, particularly scaling the aircraft for commercial use. The company intends to partner with Uber, providing more potential strengths and weaknesses.
Will Any 10-Minute Options Be Available Soon?
Archer Aviation has made inroads in the electric air taxi business that includes a four-passenger aircraft functional as soon as 2025, according to CNet. The air taxi, once available, will shuttle passengers between Manhatten and Liberty Internal Airport in Newark.
During a test flight, one of Archer’s two-seat aircraft made a successful vertical takeoff that resulted in a successful horizontal flight. Although the aircraft reached speeds of 80 mph during the test flight, speeds of 150 mph are expected.
The plane will potentially have a 100-mile range. Although expected to first see use in New York City, the company plans to expand into other markets like San Francisco, Chicago, and L.A.
What Are the Challenges Facing Archer?
This aircraft will need to overcome regulatory hurdles to enter into commercial use. Also, engineering and infrastructure issues could delay this model in achieving commercial use.
Is Joby the Fastest Electric Air Taxi?
Although Joby has tested what has been the fastest electric air taxi, there is another contender for the title of the fastest in Rolls Royce.
The company intends to create an aircraft that beats speed records and provides a roadmap for other high-speed transportation.
This plane can reach speeds exceeding 300 mph. If this plane excels against its competition, it could become the top electric air taxi in speed.
Are Any Commercial Airlines Involved in the Electric Air Taxi Business?
The commercial airline industry might become well-invested in the electric air taxi business. In 2021, United Airlines ordered 100 electric aircraft from Archer.
One of the goals of the airline is to reduce carbon emissions on travel between the cities where Archer will operate and the airports they serve. The speed of the aircraft will allow passengers to reach their destinations faster.
How Soon Could These Vehicles Be in Regular Use?
By most estimates, these faster options could be available in 2024. Reaching an airport that is normally a 50-minute drive away in ten minutes is beneficial to travelers as a whole.
Although United Airlines has taken the initiative, American Airlines also plans to buy air taxis. These airlines could help make the electric air taxi business more mainstream.
Final Thoughts
How fast can electric air taxi planes go? With speeds reaching between 80 and over 300 mph, would-be passengers can expect these vehicles to be fast!
