Uber has developed a new and innovative way to avoid traffic: they’ve taken Uber to the air and in 2023, their new plans will be put into effect. Uber is planning to partner up with three launch cities for a trial run. An expected 1 hour and 13 minute trip in UberX is supposed to equal to about an 8 minute flight in Uber Air.

Uber Air is starting to become a reality, especially because Uber has already begun releasing new photos, videos and models of the EVTOL craft that will be used to transport people from point A to point B. As well as the EVTOL being newly introduced to Uber, the Uber sky ports are expected to come with Uber Air as well. These sky ports are hubs on the tops of skyscrapers or open flat ground where the EVTOL craft lands and takes off transporting people to various destinations.

 The new EVTOL has four pairs of co-rating rotors powered by electric motors that give the aircraft a vertical lift and then bring the vehicle to a cruising altitude at around 1,000-2,000 feet. Since the aircraft has multiple small motors instead of one large one, it is a lot quieter than any normal gas powered helicopter and more efficient as well.

After Uber Air has reached its target altitude, the EVTOL turns to airplane mode by switching to a fixed-wing operation that provides lift when flying horizontally and a propeller in the tail used to increase the speed to up to 150 mph (max 200 mph). The operation allows the electric aircraft about 60 miles per charge. The EVTOL can run for about 3 hours of continuous operation with an average travel length of about 25 miles and a 5 minute recharge between trips.

“I think Uber Air is going to be an interesting new way of travel, especially living in the city next year, a possible launch site. It’s weird to think of using a plane for just a quick ride to work or something you do daily, I’m excited to see the new technology and wonder if this Uber Air will still be something amazing by the time it is launched in 2023.” – Senior Lara Onuk