Electric air taxis being simulated in Chicago to reduce commute times

In many US cities, rush-hour traffic can be a nightmare. Electric aircraft developer Eve is currently conducting simulations in Chicago, hoping that its electric air taxis will one day help to slash commuter times. — dpa

CHICAGO: Electric air taxis could one day whisk commuters from downtown Chicago to O’Hare International Airport or to the suburbs, high above expressway traffic, in a fraction of the time it takes to drive.

That’s the vision of electric aircraft developer Eve, which is leading a group of aviation companies and local governments conducting simulations in Chicago this week. Though the aircraft are likely years away from receiving federal authorization to fly, it’s a vision shared by other major companies like Chicago-based United Airlines, which recently struck a conditional agreement to purchase at least 200 of Eve’s flying taxis in United’s latest investment in the industry.