The production of the Eve Air Mobility flying car, a subsidiary of Embraer, has moved to the physical realization stage at the factory in Taubaté, São Paulo state. Commercial production of the eVTOL is planned to begin by the end of 2028, with an initial capacity of up to 120 aircraft annually.
The plant structure is designed for expansion in line with market development, reaching a potential of 480 units per year. Before mass production begins, six prototypes will be manufactured in São José dos Campos for testing and certification from Anac. The design documentation for this division is complete, and Eve is now focused on adapting infrastructure and preparing for the installation of the first production line equipment. The exact date for the start of construction work has not yet been announced by the company.
The first production phase is set to produce up to 120 units per year; this represents the limit of the initial structure, not a guarantee of immediate achievement of this volume. Expansion will occur in stages using new modules, based on market dynamics and demand growth.
Model Specifications and Start of Operations
The Taubaté factory will specialize in the Eve 100 model, designed for urban and regional air mobility needs. This aircraft is designed for four passengers and one pilot, boasting a flight range of up to 100 kilometers. The eVTOL utilizes a 'lift-plus-cruise' configuration, combining eight engines for vertical takeoff, fixed wings for cruise flight, and one rear engine.
The factory is expected to commence operations with the involvement of approximately 300 employees, although Eve has not specified the exact roles among the first hires. While Taubaté prepares for mass production, Eve will manufacture six prototypes to meet standards at Embraer facilities in São José dos Campos. These aircraft will be used in the certification campaign as well as for testing production processes that will subsequently be implemented at the Taubaté factory.
Antonio Carmesini, Vice President of Industrial Production, Supply, and IT at Eve Air Mobility, stated that 'in the coming months we will advance the implementation of the production line for certification prototypes within the Embraer facilities in São José dos Campos.' He emphasized that the city will retain its role in program development and engineering, while Taubaté will be responsible for mass production.
Commercial operation is directly dependent on the development and certification schedule by the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac). Eve forecasts the completion of this process in 2028 and the start of commercial eVTOL flights by the end of the same year.
Financing and Development Strategy
The establishment of the factory is supported by financing of $88 million from BNDES. Eve states that investments to increase production capacity will be made gradually, depending on market evolution. The strategy involves starting with a capacity of up to 120 units per year, followed by scaling the structure up to 480 units annually.