EHang Flying Taxi to Arrive in November; Tariff Revealed

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Director of Prestige Image Motorcars Rudy Salim confirmed that the first flying taxi in Indonesia, EHang 216, was planned to be available in November 2021. He said the tariff will not be pricey since the cost of charging the electric fleet is only Rp200,000.

“The flight fare is very cheap because the charging only costs Rp200,000. However, there are other costs. In the aviation sector, it is called power by the hour cost that there are spare parts and human resources used every flying hour. But in total, the tariff is not that expensive,” he said as broadcasted via Youtube's Tonight Show Premiere.

Rudy also said the fare will not be much cheaper than a helicopter fare which is approximately Rp1 million per passenger.

The autonomous aerial vehicle EHang 216 takes off from a platform at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, November 11, 2020. This drone taxi is presented during a flying demonstration of a delivery drone and an autonomous aerial vehicle, or drone taxi, in Seoul. (Xinhua/Wang Jingqiang)

“Taking a helicopter costs Rp40 million every 30 minutes. This (flying taxi) is much cheaper, maybe just 3-4 percent [of the figure]. So the price is 2-3 times higher than a land taxi,” he explained.

Rudy also mentioned that the payment for riding a flying taxi could be via digital platforms, such as Gopay and OVO. “It (EHang 216) can accommodate two people. Take a seat then press the destination via the available iPad. There are already points of destinations. We just have to pay using an e-wallet,” he said.

However, Rudy stopped short of detailing how many units of EHang 216 will be operated in Indonesia. Prestige Image Motorcars, he claimed, was still waiting for permission from the government before finally determining it.

RAFIF RAHEDIAN