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STORY: Electric aircraft maker Eve has showcased its first full-scale "flying taxi" prototype as the company aims to obtain certification to enter service in 2026.

The prototype of its electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft was rolled out at an event with investors and clients at the Brazilian planemaker's plant in early July.

Eve CEO Johann Bordais told Reuters the prototype is expected to fly by the end of this year or the start of 2025.

Bordais said this version is completely remote so the company can test aerodynamics and the transition from vertical to horizontal flight.

The final vehicle will seat four passengers and a pilot and is expected to ferry travelers on short city trips to beat traffic.

It's one of a bevy of startups worldwide developing battery-powered aircraft for the purpose.

Eve applied for certification to Brazil's civil aviation regulator in 2022 and debuted on the New York Stock Exchange the same year, raising nearly $400 million.

It also secured a $92 million loan from a Brazilian state development bank and recently announced a fresh round of fundraising totaling $94 million.

Bordais says the company is currently financed to develop the product until 2027 but says some challenges still exist.

Power grids in cities around the world are not ready for so-called flying cars, from the electricity supply to ports for vertical take-off and landing.

Eve has amassed nearly 3,000 potential orders ahead of production, which it hopes to eventually convert into firm orders.

Interested clients include U.S. carrier United, charter firm Global Crossing and aircraft lessor Azorra.