⁍ Electric air taxis are likely to fly low-level routes, relieving traffic congestion on roads.

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⁍ GM could make an announcement early next year.

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⁍ Air taxis are vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft that use electric motors instead of jet engines.

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– Electric “flying cars” could soon be a reality. General Motors is looking into the market, sources tell Reuters, and the company could make an announcement as early as next year. Air taxis, which use electric motors instead of jet engines, are expected to relieve traffic congestion on roads, but they could also add to air traffic congestion as they become more popular. At least $2.3 billion has been poured into more than 100 aerial vehicle startups, including drones and electric air taxis, but the technology still faces significant roadblocks to commercialization and profitability, according to investor website PitchBook. “We believe strongly in our EV future and not just for vehicles,” GM CEO Mary Barra said at a conference Monday. “The strength and flexibility of our Ultium battery system opens doors” for “many uses, including aerial mobility.” Air taxis are expected to fly low-level routes, relieving traffic congestion on roads. But they could add to air traffic congestion as they become more popular. The World Economic Forum and the city of Los Angeles have released a set of principles to support the rollout of urban air mobility in US cities, and a spokeswoman for the organization said it is talks with other cities to adopt the same roadmap. Toyota led a $590 million investment round in air taxi startup Joby in January, while Daimler and Geely have invested in Stuttgart-based Volocopter. Volkswagen’s Porsche brand is working with Boeing to develop a concept electric flying vehicle.