The field of electric taxis has seen a boom in recent years due to advances in battery technology, electric motors and autonomous software.
Larry Page, the chief executive officer of Google parent Alphabet, has invested millions into start-ups in aviation, Zee Aero and Kitty Hawk. They are both working towards creating all-electric flying cars.
Kitty Hawk has been filing more than 12 aircraft registrations to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Page, who co-founded Google with Sergey Brin back in 1998, has personally invested $100 million (£70 million) into the two companies, which have yet to publicly acknowledge or demonstrate their technology.
Joby Aviation is one step closer to making their flying taxi reality.
The California-based company, which is building an all-electric flying taxi capable of vertical take-off, has received $100 million (£70 million) in funding from a group of investors led by Toyota and Intel.
The money will be used to develop the firm’s ‘megadrone’ which can reach speeds of 200mph (321kph) powered by lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide batteries.
Joby S2 has 16 propellers. 12 are for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), so there is no need to have a runway.
AirSpaceX presented its Mobi-One prototype at the North American International Auto Show, early in 2018. Similar to its close rivals, this electric aircraft can carry up to four passengers. It is also capable of vertical takeoff and landing.
After taking off vertically like a helicopter it will fold 12 propellers away so that it can glide like an airplane once it has landed.
Airbus has also been hard at work with a similar idea. In February 2018, its Project Vahana prototype was successfully completed its maiden flight.
Self-piloted, the helicopter reached 16 feet (5 metres) height before returning safely to the ground. It took just 53 seconds to complete the test flight.
Airbus shared previously a concept video that showcased its vision for Project Vahana.
This footage shows a self-flying, sleek aircraft with one passenger. The canopy retracts like a helmet visor for a motorcycle helmet.
The Airbus Project vahana prototype (named Alpha One) successfully flew its maiden flight in February 2018. After reaching a height 16ft (five metres), the self-piloted helicopter returned to the ground. It took just 53 seconds to complete the test flight.
Project Vahana was designed like Joby Aviation to be all electric and can fly vertically.
AirSpaceX is another company that hopes to fly commuters.
Detroit-based company has pledged to place 2,500 planes in 50 of the largest American cities by 2026.
AirSpaceX’s latest prototype, Mobi-One was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in early 2018.
Similar to its close rivals, this electric aircraft can carry up to four passengers. It is also capable of vertical takeoff and landing.
AirSpaceX even offers broadband internet connectivity so that you can access your Facebook News Feed while you are flying to work.
AirSpaceX claims that the craft is capable of carrying passengers and cargo, and can be used to provide medical and casualty transport, and tactical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
Uber even works hard to get its ride-hailing platform online.
Dubbed Uber Elevate, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi tentatively discussed the company’s plans during a technology conference in January 2018.
‘I think it’s going to happen within the next 10 years,’ he said.