Media outlets reported that the state of Texas has become the first state to launch official tests for electric, hybrid, and self-driving flying taxi vehicles, as part of a federal program supervised by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The website «The Verge» noted that the tests began with the participation of three American companies specializing in the development of these vehicles: «Joby», «Beta», and «Wisk». The trials will last for a week and will include routes connecting various cities and local airports in Texas, including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
The initial test flights will be conducted without passengers, aiming to evaluate the performance of the vehicles, the routes, and the operational processes in preparation for the expansion of the tests.
The FAA had selected eight projects to test new aircraft powered by electric and hybrid energy with autonomous capabilities. The tests are expected to later extend to the states of New York, Utah, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Florida, North Carolina, and New Mexico.
Authorities and developing companies seek to create aerial transportation services that can help alleviate traffic congestion in major U.S. cities; however, the widespread adoption of these technologies still faces challenges, including limited battery technologies, difficulties with sensing systems, and legal disputes among some companies operating in the sector.