Picture yourself ordering a ride not for a car, but for a small aircraft using your smartphone. Ascending to a rooftop vertipad, you settle into an electric vehicle resembling a large drone, ready to lift off.
With rotors spinning, you ascend over city traffic, reaching the airport in under 20 minutes. This scenario might soon become reality as aerospace companies aim to introduce electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) in the near future.
Currently, these innovative aircraft are primarily envisioned for short and medium-distance travel, with collaborations already underway between eVTOL companies and airlines to establish taxi services.
Beyond passenger transport, eVTOL technology holds promise for sectors like firefighting, medical transport, defense, and tourism. However, widespread adoption awaits regulatory clearance.
What are eVTOL Aircraft?
Electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles sport a range of designs. Many resemble a hybrid between airplanes and helicopters, featuring multiple rotors or fans across their wings or arms.
Unlike helicopters, which rely on a single rotor, eVTOLs use multiple rotors, potentially enhancing safety. While the concept has existed for years, advancements in battery storage and electric propulsion have brought eVTOLs closer to commercial viability.
According to Marilyn Smith from Georgia Tech’s Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, eVTOLs could alleviate ground traffic by taking some of it skyward. “Traffic congestion is reaching unreasonable proportions in many major cities, and the accompanying pollution from carbon fuels is directly impacting quality of life,” Smith said.
When Can Rides Be Booked?
For eVTOLs to transport passengers, they need the Federal Aviation Administration’s approval. In 2024, the FAA introduced a new class for air taxis called “powered lift.”
By 2025, the eVTOL Integration Pilot Program allowed limited operations in certain cities to help finalize FAA certification. This program began in early 2026.
Companies such as Archer, Beta Technologies, and Joby are close to acquiring the necessary FAA safety approvals. Although no exact timeline is set, an Archer spokesperson mentioned that availability might be closer than anticipated.
Marilyn Smith indicated that while some companies anticipate operations by 2027-2028, a more realistic timeframe might be 2029-2030 due to regulatory and infrastructure challenges.
How Will Booking Work?
Initially, major cities like New York and Los Angeles will likely offer the first opportunities to book an electric air taxi. Similar to other innovative services, these aircraft will debut in metropolitan areas and potentially expand if successful.
Booking will likely occur through smartphone apps, mirroring the process of ordering a ride from Uber or Lyft. However, passengers may need to travel to designated take-off points, such as rooftops, rather than being picked up directly from home.
“Electric air taxis will give cities the ability to move people through the air quickly, quietly, and sustainably for the first time,” an Archer spokesperson stated. “A 60- to 90-minute drive from JFK to downtown Manhattan becomes a 10-minute flight.”
What Will It Cost?
As of June 2026, there is no confirmed pricing for electric air taxi rides. However, estimates suggest fares could range between $3 and $6 per mile, depending on various factors.
Will They Fly Autonomously?
Currently, electric air taxis from Archer, Beta, and Joby require certified pilots. However, autonomous flight might be a future capability. EHang in China already offers pilotless sightseeing eVTOLs.
Meanwhile, Wisk Aero, backed by Boeing, is developing an entirely autonomous eVTOL. Although FAA approval will take longer, efforts to bring this model to market continue.
Electric air taxis are expected to be operational in major US cities by the late 2020s, potentially transforming urban transportation. The upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, with Archer as the official air taxi provider, will showcase this technology on a global stage.
Original Story at www.cnet.com