Japanese flying car startup SkyDrive and Suzuki Motor plan to start an air mobility service in India as soon as 2027, charging fares similar to that of an Indian taxi ride.

SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa revealed the project Tuesday during the opening of Vibrant Gujarat, a trade show held in the western Indian state of the same name.

"With the surge in cars, the severe congestion and the air pollution, Indian road conditions are quickly approaching their limit," Fukuzawa told Nikkei. "Flying cars will be a good fit for the country."

The charge for the air mobility service is expected to be roughly in line with Indian taxi fare, around $1 to $2 per kilometer.

SkyDrive, which develops electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, will team with Suzuki unit Maruti Suzuki, one of India's top automakers.

Maruti Suzuki and SkyDrive will test the performance of the eVTOLs. They also will explore the feasibility of mass production as well as sales inside and outside of India. Staff will be hired as needed.

If SkyDrive and Suzuki project sustainable demand, they will consider manufacturing the aircraft in India.

SkyDrive and Suzuki already are working together on three-seater eVTOLs, with production planned at a Suzuki group plant in central Japan's Shizuoka prefecture this spring. SkyDrive said Wednesday it has received additional funding from Suzuki.

The eVTOL aircraft take off and land like helicopters, eliminating the need for runways. The electric vehicles make little noise and emit no greenhouse gas during flight.

BOB Post