SkyDrive to Deliver 10 eVTOLs to Taiwan
Japanese firm SkyDrive has secured a deal to deliver 10 of its SD-05 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles for deployment in Taiwan. The agreement reflects a growing demand for eVTOLs to be used in Asia's urban air mobility sector. The vehicles are intended to address transportation challenges in dense urban environments.
- The SD-05 is a three-seater eVTOL (one pilot, two passengers) with 12 motors and propellers. It has a maximum speed of 100 km/h (62 mph) and a range of up to 40 km (25 miles). - SkyDrive's production of the SD-05 began in March 2024 at a manufacturing plant owned by partner and investor Suzuki Motor Corporation. The company, which originated from a volunteer group called Cartivator initially backed by Toyota, has raised over ¥43 billion (approx. $298M USD) from investors including major Japanese railway companies. - The company is pursuing dual certification for the SD-05; Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) issued a G-1 certification basis in February 2025, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accepted its type certificate application in April 2024. - The deal with Taiwan's 7A Drones is part of a broader partnership with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to explore using the eVTOLs for emergency medical services. The initial focus is on establishing air routes for medical transport in the Penghu Islands, an archipelago of 90 islands where ground transportation is limited. - SkyDrive plans a public demonstration of the SD-05 at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, to showcase its capabilities and accelerate public acceptance. - The company faces competition in the Asian market from players like China's EHang and U.S.-based Joby Aviation, which has partnered with Japanese airline ANA and also conducted demonstration flights in Japan. - Beyond this sale, SkyDrive has secured over 380 pre-orders across seven countries, including agreements for 50 units with AeroGulf Services in Dubai and up to 100 units with a firm in Vietnam.
