Imagine drastically reducing fuel consumption and emissions during ground operations without adding extra weight to the aircraft—that's the bold promise behind Green Taxi Aerospace's innovative eTaxi retrofit for Embraer’s E175. But here's where it gets controversial: how soon will this promising technology become a certified, routine feature in the skies, and will it truly revolutionize regional aviation? This is the story of a groundbreaking step toward greener, more efficient taxiing solutions, and the challenging journey to certification that lies ahead.
Green Taxi Aerospace is pioneering a new electric taxiing system, called eTaxi, designed specifically for the E175 aircraft. This retrofit utilizes an auxiliary power unit (APU) and motors installed on the landing gear to enable taxiing without engaging the main engines—a move expected to significantly cut fuel use and emissions during ground operations. Estimated savings reach roughly 80,000 gallons of fuel and around $250,000 in annual costs per aircraft, based on calculations reviewed by Aviation Week.
The company has laid out a detailed plan for obtaining certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is key for operational approval. According to Green Taxi Solutions’ president, David Valaer, their certification process involves seven distinct steps. Starting with submission of an initial certification plan in the third quarter of 2025, they aim to secure FAA approval before the year ends. This step will set clear requirements and guide all subsequent development phases.
By mid-2026, the focus is on finalizing the detailed system design drawings. The FAA's approval of these drawings by late 2026 will establish a formal 'type design'—a critical milestone that defines the technical specifications necessary to produce compliant hardware at scale.
Later in 2026, the company plans to develop and build a prototype of the eTaxi system. This prototype will then undergo installation and rigorous ground testing on an E175 aircraft through the first half of 2027. If all progresses as expected, the final goal is to receive the supplemental type certificate (STC) from the FAA by late 2027, paving the way for commercial deployment.
International regulators such as EASA in Europe and Brazil’s ANAC are also expected to approve the system alongside the FAA, supporting broader global adoption.
One of the challenges will be implementing this system with minimal disruption to the aircraft’s existing setup. Valaer emphasizes that the eTaxi system adds less than 300 pounds and is installed in a way that preserves the aircraft’s balance, which is crucial for safety and performance. In the long run, airlines might even opt to carry less fuel for taxiing, effectively negating the added weight—making the retrofit's impact on overall aircraft weight virtually negligible.
Green Taxi is simultaneously working towards certification for both the E175 and E170 models, which share the same type certification data. Valaer confirms that the system will be identical across both aircraft types, simplifying installation procedures and potentially broadening the range of operators who can adopt this technology.
Although the company hasn't disclosed specific partnerships with Embraer or maintenance organizations, the retrofit appears designed for easy, consistent application regardless of the operator. This adaptable approach hints at a future where such eco-friendly innovations could become standard in regional fleets.
As the aviation industry grapples with the urgent need for sustainability improvements, solutions like Green Taxi’s eTaxi retrofit could be game-changers—if they can successfully clear the certification hurdles ahead. The next 24 months are critical in determining whether this promising technology will move from prototype to everyday reality, revolutionizing ground operations and pushing aviation closer to a greener future.
What do you think? Will innovation like this truly reshape regional flying, or are regulatory and practical hurdles too high? Share your thoughts below—let’s discuss the future of eco-friendly aviation!
