In a bold step towards pioneering new mobility solutions, Maruti Suzuki, a prominent Indian automaker, is gearing up to develop electric air copters. The parent company, Suzuki, based in Japan, envisions these electric air copters as a transformative mode of transportation, blending the convenience of aerial taxis with the eco-friendly advantages of electric propulsion.
The electric air copters, designed to accommodate at least three passengers, including the pilot, will be positioned between drones and conventional helicopters in terms of size. Termed ‘SkyDrive,’ these futuristic vehicles are set to debut at the 2025 Osaka Expo in Japan, boasting 12 motor and rotor units.
While Maruti Suzuki plans to eventually introduce this cutting-edge technology in India through the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the initial focus for sales will be on the US and Japanese markets. The company is actively exploring manufacturing in India to optimize production costs and simultaneously evaluating the potential of the Indian market for sales.
The ‘SkyDrive’ is expected to weigh nearly half as much as a traditional helicopter, with a take-off weight of 1.4 tonnes, allowing it to land and take off from building rooftops. The electrification of these air copters not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also results in a significant reduction in the number of aircraft parts, thereby lowering manufacturing and maintenance costs.
As Maruti Suzuki charts its course towards the skies, the ‘SkyDrive’ represents a significant leap into the future of transportation, with the potential to reshape urban mobility and redefine the concept of on-demand air travel.
