Articles tagged with "eVTOL"
Defunct electric aircraft startup Lilium’s tech lives on over at Archer
Electric aircraft startup Lilium, which ceased operations in 2024 after raising over $1 billion and going public in 2021, has had its core technology acquired by Archer Aviation. Despite multiple restructuring attempts, Lilium filed for insolvency, leading a bankruptcy administrator to auction its assets. Archer won the competitive bid with an €18 million ($21 million) offer for all 300 of Lilium’s patents, outbidding competitors including Joby Aviation and Ambitious Air Mobility Group. Lilium had been developing a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft capable of speeds up to 100 km/h and had secured notable investors and customers, such as Tencent and a 100-jet order from Saudi Arabia, but ultimately ran out of cash before delivering a product. Archer’s acquisition of Lilium’s patents adds critical eVTOL technologies to its portfolio, including high-voltage systems, flight controls, ducted fans, and advanced aircraft design, expanding its intellectual property to over
electric-aircrafteVTOLvertical-takeoff-and-landingelectric-propulsionaviation-technologyenergy-systemspatent-acquisitionDrone startup Guardian Agriculture shuts down
Guardian Agriculture, a Woburn, Massachusetts-based startup founded in 2017, recently shut down after failing to secure additional funding. The company developed the SC1, a large, fully autonomous quadcopter drone designed for aerial crop spraying, capable of carrying 200 pounds of fertilizer or pesticides and covering 60 acres per hour. Despite receiving FAA approval in April 2023 as the first commercially authorized electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) system in the U.S., Guardian struggled to commercialize its technology, having only one paying customer at the time of closure. The company ceased operations in late August 2025 following layoffs earlier that summer, with CEO Ashley Ferguson citing insufficient cash and investor commitments to continue operations. Guardian Agriculture raised $51.7 million across five funding rounds, including a $20 million Series A led by Fall Line Capital in mid-2023. The SC1 drone earned industry recognition, being named one of Time magazine’s Best Inventions of 2024
roboticsdronesagriculture-technologyautonomous-vehicleseVTOLagtechstartup-shutdownTwo flying cars crash into each other in China rehearsal flight
During a rehearsal flight for the Changchun Air Show in northeastern China, two electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) developed by Xpeng Aeroht collided mid-air due to "insufficient flight distance," resulting in one vehicle catching fire upon landing and one pilot sustaining minor injuries. Emergency responders quickly secured the scene, and the injured passenger was hospitalized but reported to be stable. Xpeng Aeroht, Asia’s largest flying car company, confirmed the incident is under investigation and emphasized that all other personnel were safe. Xpeng Aeroht’s flying cars, priced around USD 281,000 each, are designed to operate at altitudes between 300 and 500 meters with features such as a panoramic cabin and single-lever controls. The company has garnered significant attention with its modular flying car technology, including a road vehicle that carries a detachable two-person eVTOL. With over 4,000 orders and ongoing development—including a new factory in Guangzhou aiming for mass production by
roboteVTOLflying-carselectric-vehiclesurban-air-mobilityaerospace-technologyXpeng-AerohtNew FAA program will let eVTOL startups test some operations before full certification
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a new pilot program allowing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) startups to test certain operations before obtaining full regulatory certification. This initiative marks a significant shift for eVTOL companies, which have so far been limited to restricted test flights while pursuing FAA approval. To participate, companies must collaborate with state, local, tribal, or territorial governments, and the FAA plans to approve at least five projects lasting up to three years. These projects will cover a range of applications including short-range air taxis, longer-range fixed-wing flights, cargo and logistics, emergency or medical supply delivery, and efforts to enhance automation safety. The FAA emphasizes that selected projects should work cooperatively with various entities to accelerate development while maintaining the aviation industry's high safety standards. The data and insights gained from these pilot projects are expected to inform the broader regulatory framework for advanced air mobility (AAM). Notably, eVTOL companies Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation have announced intentions to
energyelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLFAA-certificationadvanced-air-mobilityaviation-technologyautomation-safetyFrom Kitty Hawk to Supernal: The Shrinking Future of eVTOLs - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a significant shift in the eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft industry, marked by Supernal’s recent decision to pause its eVTOL development. Despite strong backing from Hyundai and ambitious plans to launch a five-seat air taxi by 2028, Supernal’s retreat signals broader challenges facing the sector. Many eVTOL companies are struggling to transition from prototypes to certified, commercially viable aircraft amid high costs, regulatory hurdles, and operational complexities. Of 32 firms tracked, seven have abandoned their programs, three operate limited commercial services, one has pivoted business models, and 21 remain in pre-production, reflecting a more cautious and grounded industry outlook compared to earlier hype. The article also contrasts the fading enthusiasm for eVTOLs with the similarly challenged hydrogen vehicle sector, noting that both face fundamental economic, technical, and regulatory barriers. High-profile eVTOL failures include Kitty Hawk’s shutdown, Lilium’s bankruptcy, Volocopter’s
energyelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLurban-air-mobilityhydrogen-vehiclesbattery-technologyaviation-industryUber will add Blade’s helicopters to its platform as early as 2026
Uber plans to integrate Blade Air Mobility’s helicopter services into its app as early as 2026, initially targeting popular routes such as airport transfers near New York City and Southern Europe. This development follows Joby Aviation’s recent acquisition of Blade’s passenger business for up to $125 million, excluding Blade’s medical division. The partnership is positioned as a precursor to eventually launching Joby’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis on Uber’s ride-hailing platform, though Joby’s own commercial eVTOL service is slated to begin first in Dubai in 2026, with U.S. markets to follow. The collaboration builds on existing relationships: Blade helicopters have previously appeared on Uber’s platform in limited promotions, and Uber holds a 2.5% stake in Joby. Joby, which went public via a SPAC merger in 2021 and has raised significant funding from investors including Toyota, has emerged as a leader in the eVTOL space amid the collapse
energyelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLelectric-air-taxiurban-air-mobilityJoby-Aviationsustainable-transportationHyundai’s eVTOL startup Supernal pauses work following CEO and CTO departures
Hyundai’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) startup Supernal has paused its aircraft development program following significant leadership changes and staff reductions. The company’s CEO Jaiwon Shin and CTO David McBride have both departed amid these upheavals. Supernal had conducted initial test flights of its technology demonstrator earlier in 2024 and was preparing for its first untethered flight, aiming for a commercial launch in 2028. However, the new leadership will now reassess the timeline for the project. The company has not commented on McBride’s departure but confirmed that David Rottblatt is serving as interim COO during this transition. Supernal’s difficulties reflect broader challenges in the emerging electric air taxi industry, where some startups are thriving with new funding and partnerships, while others have failed. Since spinning out from Hyundai Group in 2021, Supernal has faced setbacks including layoffs and the closure of its Washington, D.C. headquarters. Hyundai plans to appoint new leadership with strong
energyelectric-vehiclesurban-air-mobilityeVTOLHyundaiaviation-technologystartupsUS firms to build hybrid electric flight tech for defense, civil use
GE Aerospace and Beta Technologies have announced a partnership, backed by a $300 million investment from GE, to develop a hybrid-electric turbogenerator for next-generation aircraft aimed at both defense and civil markets. This collaboration combines GE’s extensive experience in turbine engines, particularly leveraging components from its CT7 and T700 families, with Beta’s expertise in electric propulsion and permanent magnet generators. The hybrid system aims to enhance aircraft range, payload capacity, and speed beyond what current electric-only models can achieve, reflecting growing momentum in advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and hydrogen-powered aircraft. Beta Technologies continues to advance its Alia aircraft program, which includes both conventional takeoff and landing and eVTOL variants, with certification efforts underway for commercial operations. The partnership, pending regulatory approval, will increase Beta’s total funding to $1.45 billion and grant GE the right to appoint a director to Beta’s board, signaling a strong strategic commitment.
energyhybrid-electric-propulsionelectric-aviationeVTOLaircraft-technologyGE-AerospaceBeta-TechnologiesGE Aerospace to invest $300M in Beta Technologies to pair up on hybrid-electric power
GE Aerospace is set to invest $300 million in Beta Technologies, an electric aviation startup, to jointly develop a hybrid-electric turbogenerator for next-generation aircraft. This strategic partnership aims to combine GE’s extensive experience in jet and turboprop engines with Beta’s expertise in high-performance electric propulsion. The hybrid system is expected to enhance aircraft range, payload capacity, and overall performance by integrating traditional turbine technology with electric power, reflecting growing industry interest in hybrid solutions within the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector. Beta Technologies is also advancing certification efforts for its Alia aircraft, which includes both conventional take-off and landing and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) variants. If the investment is approved, Beta’s total funding will reach $1.45 billion, with GE joining other major investors like Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund and Fidelity. Additionally, GE will gain the right to appoint a director to Beta’s board, underscoring its commitment to hybrid-electric aviation technologies and signaling a
energyhybrid-electricaerospaceelectric-propulsionturbopropaviation-technologyeVTOLArcher’s electric aircraft hits 126 mph in record 55-mile flight
Archer Aviation has achieved a significant milestone with its Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, completing its longest piloted flight to date. Conducted in Salinas, California, the flight lasted 31 minutes and covered 55 miles, reaching speeds over 126 mph in Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL) mode. This test demonstrated the aircraft’s range, reliability, and versatility, as it can operate in both CTOL and VTOL modes. The Midnight has also reached speeds nearing 150 mph in other flight patterns, indicating steady progress toward full operational capability. United Airlines, a major partner, celebrated the achievement, highlighting the aircraft’s quiet operation as advantageous for urban air taxi services. Archer’s CEO Adam Goldstein emphasized that surpassing the 50-mile mark at speed marks a clear step toward commercialization. With four test pilots actively flying the Midnight as part of the FAA certification campaign, the company is focused on regulatory approval in the U.S. and plans to
energyelectric-aircrafteVTOLaviation-technologysustainable-transportationelectric-propulsionurban-air-mobilityFormula 1-inspired AirKart eVTOL races through the sky at 65 mph
The AirKart, developed by UK startup Elevate Racing, is a single-seat electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle inspired by Formula 1 racing. Designed to combine the excitement of race car driving with aerial freedom, the AirKart is intended for short, low-altitude flights and competitive racing on dedicated circuits. It features a compact design positioned between small drones and larger eVTOL aircraft, capable of speeds up to 65 mph (100 km/h) and a maximum altitude of 400 meters (1,300 feet), with a flight time of approximately 15 minutes on a full battery. Equipped with advanced GPS and LiDAR systems, the AirKart offers two flight modes: EasyFly for beginners, which limits controls and includes automatic obstacle avoidance and simple landing, and Sport Mode for experienced pilots, providing full manual control for racing maneuvers. Its propulsion system uses eight electric motors arranged in a double ducted coaxial quadcopter layout, enhancing thrust efficiency,
eVTOLelectric-vehicledrone-technologyGPS-navigationLiDARcarbon-fiber-materialselectric-propulsionWorld's first two-ton VTOL drone completes cargo delivery in China
China has achieved a significant milestone by completing the world’s first offshore cargo delivery using a two-ton electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) drone, the V2000CG CarryAll. Developed by Shanghai-based Autoflight, this unmanned aircraft transported fresh fruit and emergency medical supplies 150 kilometers over open water from Shenzhen to a China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) platform in just 58 minutes. The all-electric drone combines helicopter-style vertical lift with fixed-wing cruise efficiency, carrying up to 400 kilograms at speeds of about 124 miles per hour and covering distances up to 124 miles on a single charge, all while producing zero in-flight emissions. This innovation drastically reduces offshore supply transit times from over 10 hours by boat to approximately one hour, offering lower operating costs, faster response times, and the ability to land in confined spaces. The V2000CG’s successful mission and recent certification mark a key step in China’s push to commercialize large-scale
droneeVTOLelectric-aircraftcargo-deliveryoffshore-logisticsautonomous-flightenergy-efficient-transportationJoby Aviation to buy Blade Air Mobility’s ride-share business
Joby Aviation, an electric air taxi developer, has agreed to acquire Blade Air Mobility’s helicopter ride-share business for up to $125 million. The acquisition includes the Blade brand and its passenger operations in the U.S. and Europe, while Blade’s medical transport division remains separate. Blade, founded in 2014, operates a digital platform that enables customers to book private helicopter rides on short routes, serving more than 50,000 passengers in 2024. The deal provides Joby with immediate access to Blade’s network of 12 terminals in key markets such as New York City, including dedicated lounges and bases at major airports and Manhattan locations. Joby plans to integrate its air taxi management software into Blade’s passenger service and eventually replace helicopters with its own electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This acquisition is seen as strategically important for Joby’s planned commercial launch in Dubai and future global expansion. Founded in 2009, Joby has spent over a decade developing
robotelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLurban-air-mobilityair-taxiautonomous-vehiclestransportation-technologyAustria's 2-seat electric helicopter takes to skies freely for first time
FlyNow Aviation, an Austrian startup focused on urban air mobility, has successfully completed the first untethered flight of its two-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the eCopter, at a new test facility in Eastern Austria. This milestone marks a significant step beyond previous tethered tests near Salzburg Airport, overcoming air traffic restrictions and allowing for more realistic flight data collection. The eCopter features a coaxial dual-rotor design, distinguishing it from other multi-rotor air taxis, and aims to provide efficient, clean, and affordable personal flight solutions for urban environments. The eCopter is designed to reach speeds up to 80 mph (130 km/h) with a 30-minute battery endurance, enabling trips of around 30 miles (50 km). It is relatively energy-efficient, consuming about 30 kWh per 100 km, and produces low noise levels comparable to a household dishwasher at typical flight altitudes, making it suitable for dense urban
energyelectric-helicopterurban-air-mobilityeVTOLbattery-technologyclean-energyaviation-innovationAIR lands $23M to bring its eVTOLs to the US
AIR, an eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) manufacturer, recently raised $23 million in a Series A funding round led by Entree Capital to support scaling production in Israel, hiring staff, and expanding into the U.S. market. The company offers two main aircraft: the piloted AIR ONE for personal or commercial taxi use, and an uncrewed cargo eVTOL designed for logistics and defense applications. Since delivering its first cargo eVTOL in late 2023, AIR has secured over 2,500 pre-orders for AIR ONE and plans to ship 15 cargo eVTOLs this year. The funding round aligns with recent U.S. regulatory developments, including an Executive Order promoting domestic drone and eVTOL development and updates to the FAA’s MOSAIC rule, which expands certification pathways for light sport aircraft (LSA). AIR’s cargo eVTOLs currently operate under Experimental Airworthiness Certificates (EAC), allowing limited flights during development and testing,
robotuncrewed-aerial-vehicleseVTOLdrone-technologyelectric-aircraftaerospace-materialsaviation-energy-systemsWorld’s first two-ton vertical takeoff aircraft set to fly in China
Chinese electric aircraft manufacturer Autoflight has achieved a global milestone by delivering the CarryAll V2000CG, the world’s first two-ton electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to receive all three major airworthiness certifications: Type Certificate, Production Certificate, and Airworthiness Certificate. This unmanned, fully electric aircraft has a maximum takeoff weight of two metric tons (approximately 4,400 pounds), a payload capacity of 400 kilograms (880 pounds), a cruising speed of about 124 mph (200 kph), and a maximum range of 124 miles (200 km). Designed to combine the vertical lift capabilities of a helicopter with the efficient cruising of a fixed-wing aircraft, the CarryAll V2000CG is intended for cargo delivery, emergency supply transport, and disaster response, benefiting from quieter and cleaner electric propulsion and the ability to operate in confined spaces. This development aligns with China’s national push to accelerate its “low-altitude economy,” which aims to commercialize air
robotelectric-aircrafteVTOLvertical-takeoff-and-landingdrone-logisticsair-mobilityautonomous-flightElectric aircraft achieves world's first piloted airport-to-airport flight
Vertical Aerospace has achieved a historic milestone by completing the world’s first piloted airport-to-airport flight in a full-scale, winged tilt-rotor electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for commercial use. On July 16, 2025, the VX4 prototype flew 17 miles from Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford, reaching speeds of 115 mph and an altitude of 1,800 feet. This flight, approved by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, demonstrated the VX4’s ability to integrate with real-world airport operations and marked its first public landing, witnessed by thousands. Following the flight, the VX4 was displayed at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the world’s largest military air show, where Vertical Aerospace was the sole electric aircraft exhibitor. Vertical Aerospace is positioning the VX4 not only for commercial urban air mobility but also as a versatile platform for defence, logistics, and special missions, emphasizing its quieter, cleaner operation
electric-aircrafteVTOLvertical-aerospacehybrid-electric-propulsionurban-air-mobilityaviation-energy-technologyelectric-aviationZeroAvia, Horizon bring hydrogen power to fan-in-wing eVTOL flights
ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft have partnered to integrate ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric engine into Horizon’s innovative Cavorite X7 eVTOL aircraft, aiming to pioneer quiet, efficient, and emissions-free regional air travel. The ZA600 powertrain, designed for regional aircraft, offers longer flight durations, faster refueling, and reduced noise compared to battery-electric systems. Horizon’s Cavorite X7 features a unique fan-in-wing design with 14 lift fans housed inside the wings, enabling vertical takeoff and landing combined with efficient fixed-wing flight, allowing operation from small spaces such as helipads or areas no larger than a tennis court. Horizon has already conducted successful untethered flight tests of a full-scale Cavorite X7 prototype, including vertical hover and transition to wing-borne flight, and has received regulatory approval from Transport Canada alongside financial backing from the U.S. Department of Defense. Beyond engine integration, the collaboration will develop the necessary hydrogen refueling infrastructure, safety protocols,
energyhydrogen-powereVTOLelectric-aviationclean-energyregional-air-mobilitysustainable-flightJoby Aviation doubles pilot eVTOL facility capacity as it races toward air taxi launch
Joby Aviation has significantly expanded its pilot manufacturing facility in Marina, California, doubling its size to 435,500 square feet to accelerate the commercialization of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The upgraded facility is expected to produce 24 aircraft annually, or nearly one every other week when fully operational, and will also support federal certification processes, ground and flight testing, pilot training, and aircraft maintenance. This expansion is part of Joby’s broader production strategy, which includes a larger facility under construction in Dayton, Ohio, designed to produce up to 500 aircraft per year, with engineering support from Toyota, a strategic investor. In addition to the facility expansion, Joby has added a sixth aircraft to its fleet, which quickly earned airworthiness certification shortly after completion. The company, which went public in 2021, aims to launch commercial air taxi services first in Dubai by early 2026, followed by a U.S. market rollout. Toyota has also recently invested
robotelectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLaviation-technologypilot-manufacturingair-taxiautonomous-aircraftMan-Piloted Drone's First Flight
The Jetson One, a man-piloted drone classified as an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, has successfully completed its first test flight. Designed to operate in challenging terrains, this innovative aircraft aims to assist in mountain rescue operations where conventional vehicles face significant limitations. Its ability to take off and land vertically allows it to access remote and difficult locations quickly and efficiently. The Jetson One represents a significant advancement in rescue technology by combining the maneuverability of drones with the capacity to carry a human pilot. This development could enhance emergency response times and improve the safety and effectiveness of mountain rescue missions. Further testing and refinement are expected as the Jetson One moves toward broader operational use.
robotdroneeVTOLmanned-droneaerial-rescueautonomous-flightaviation-technologyJetson ONE aces rescue flight to 3,973 ft summit
The Jetson ONE, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) personal aircraft, was successfully tested in Southern Poland for mountain rescue missions, demonstrating its ability to reach the summit of Mt. Lubań (3,973 ft) in under four minutes despite strong winds up to 36 mph—conditions challenging even for helicopters. The tests, conducted with two ready-to-fly units, showcased the vehicle’s stability, control, and capability to take off and land in tight spaces with a single pilot. The Polish Mountain Rescue Team (GOPR) highlighted the Jetson ONE’s potential to cover up to 700 km² of remote terrain from a mountain summit, positioning it as a rapid-response "rescue spearhead" that can reach casualties faster than traditional methods such as ATVs or foot travel. The Jetson ONE’s lightweight design (115 kg), all-electric system, and quick deployment make it a low-maintenance, efficient tool for first responders, accelerating the arrival of
roboteVTOLrescue-droneelectric-vehicleemergency-responseautonomous-flightaerial-roboticsAutonomous eVTOL with 600-mile range can carry military cargo
A California-based company, MightyFly, has successfully demonstrated an autonomous hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) cargo aircraft, the Cento, capable of carrying military cargo over a 600-mile range. The demonstration, conducted at New Jerusalem Airport for the U.S. Air Force, showcased the aircraft’s ability to autonomously load, secure, transport, unload, and manage packages without human intervention using its patented Autonomous Load Mastering System (ALMS). The Cento transported two large boxes across multiple destinations, highlighting its potential to expedite logistics and modernize cargo delivery. The Cento features a sleek design that enhances operational efficiency and accommodates a wide range of payload center of gravity variations, allowing flexibility in cargo types and configurations. Its ALMS enables autonomous opening and closing of cargo bay doors, internal package positioning and locking, and real-time weight and balance computations. This technology positions the Cento as a competitive platform for diverse sectors including defense, healthcare, retail, logistics, manufacturing, and
robotautonomous-vehicleseVTOLhybrid-electric-aircraftmilitary-logisticscargo-dronesadvanced-air-mobilityTechCrunch Mobility: Applied Intuition’s eye-popping valuation, the new age of micromobility, and Waymo’s wild week
The article from TechCrunch Mobility highlights several key developments in the autonomous vehicle and micromobility sectors. Waymo, the leading commercial robotaxi operator providing 250,000 paid rides weekly, has experienced a dynamic week marked by expansion and regulatory challenges. The company announced plans to extend its service area by 80 square miles across Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Silicon Valley, and is seeking permits to test autonomous vehicles in New York City. However, fully driverless operations in NYC will require changes in state law, signaling upcoming lobbying efforts. In investment news, Applied Intuition, a startup specializing in autonomous vehicle software such as simulation and data management tools, raised $500 million in a funding round co-led by BlackRock-managed funds and Kleiner Perkins, boosting its valuation to $15 billion—more than double its $6 billion valuation just a year prior. Other notable deals include Archer Aviation’s $850 million raise linked to a new eVTOL pilot program and Senra’s
robotautonomous-vehiclesrobotaximobility-technologyapplied-intuitionmicromobilityeVTOLNew battery to power Chinese flying taxis with more speed, safety
Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion High-tech has partnered with eVTOL developer Ehang to equip Ehang’s flagship EH216 aerial vehicle with Gotion’s advanced 46-series cylindrical battery cells. This upgrade promises to enhance the EH216’s performance by providing longer range, stronger power output, and improved safety. The collaboration builds on a prior agreement from December 2023 and aims to accelerate the commercialization of low-altitude urban air mobility by improving battery technology tailored for short-range autonomous flights. Ehang, a pioneer in China’s eVTOL sector, has demonstrated significant progress with its EH216-S model, which currently offers a top speed of 80.8 mph and a flight duration of up to 25 minutes. Notably, Ehang tested a version with solid-state batteries that achieved a continuous flight of over 48 minutes, highlighting ongoing efforts to advance battery technology for aerial applications. Gotion, ranked as the sixth-largest global power battery manufacturer with a 3.4% market share,
energybattery-technologyeVTOLaerial-vehicleselectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingenergy-storageurban-air-mobilityChina firm unveils maiden commercial flying car with 18.6-mile range
China’s GAC Group has unveiled its first commercial flying car, the Govy AirCab, at the Hong Kong International Auto and Supply Chain Expo. This two-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle features a lightweight design with a 90% carbon fiber fuselage and offers a range of approximately 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) per charge. It can be fully charged in 25 minutes and supports rapid charging to 50% in 15 minutes, enabled by high-density cylindrical batteries. The AirCab includes advanced features such as 5G connectivity, voice assistant, climate and music controls, a cloud-based self-check system, flight redundancy, and Level 4 ground autonomy with a detection range of over 984 feet (300 meters). The passenger cabin is designed to separate from the power unit for safety in case of malfunction. GAC targets the emerging “low-altitude economy” focused on urban air taxis and short-hop personal aircraft, positioning the Govy
electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingeVTOLcarbon-fiber-materialselectric-vehicle-batteriesurban-air-mobilityautonomous-flight-systems5G-connectivityAIR ONE’s electric air taxi races toward first piloted flight by 2026
EDAG Group and AIR have formalized their partnership through a letter of intent to jointly develop and manufacture the AIR ONE electric air taxi, building on two years of collaboration. EDAG is responsible for producing key structural components, including folding wings, engine arms, and a modular cabin that can be reconfigured for passengers or cargo. The AIR ONE is designed in multiple variants, with a fully electric model offering about one hour of flight time and a payload capacity of 250 kilograms, while a hybrid version could extend the range up to 450 kilometers. Currently in assembly and testing, the AIR ONE features a compact design with a wingspan of 7 meters and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). It boasts fast charging capabilities, reaching full charge in about one hour and 20%-80% charge in half that time, minimizing downtime. The cargo variant provides 70 cubic feet of space for transporting equipment such as pallets or stretchers. The $150,000 passenger edition has sold
electric-aircrafteVTOLenergy-storagehybrid-propulsionbattery-technologyelectric-mobilityaerospace-materialsTrump signs orders to encourage flying cars, counter drone threats
President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of advanced aviation technologies, including drones, flying taxis (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles or eVTOLs), and supersonic commercial jets. The orders direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enable routine beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations, deploy AI tools to expedite waiver reviews, and update integration roadmaps for drones in national airspace. Additionally, the FAA is tasked with lifting the longstanding ban on supersonic flights over U.S. land, citing advancements in noise reduction and aerospace engineering that make such travel safe and commercially viable. Trump also initiated a pilot program for eVTOL projects focusing on medical response, cargo transport, and urban air mobility. To address national security concerns, the administration established a federal task force to monitor drone activity near sensitive locations like airports and large public events, aiming to enforce laws against misuse and mitigate risks posed by disruptive drone technology. The orders emphasize reducing reliance on foreign-made drones, particularly from China, by prioritizing U.S.-manufactured drones and promoting exports to allied countries. These initiatives build on prior efforts to integrate commercial drones and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into various sectors, with the broader goal of fostering high-skilled job growth, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and maintaining American leadership in global aviation.
dronesflying-carseVTOLsupersonic-jetsaerospace-engineeringartificial-intelligenceurban-air-mobilityArcher’s electric aircraft takes off in first crewed runway flight
energyelectric-aircrafteVTOLaviation-technologyflight-testingsustainable-transportationelectric-vehiclesAn early Joby Aviation backer might soon be its biggest distributor in Saudi Arabia
energyelectric-aircrafteVTOLdistribution-agreementJoby-AviationSaudi-Arabiaaviation-technologyCanada firm's eVTOL becomes first to achieve full wing transition
robotIoTenergymaterialseVTOLhybrid-electricaviationArcher: Official Air Taxi Provider of the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games & Team USA in Exclusive Deal
energyeVTOLtransportationLA28Archer-AviationOlympic-GamesvertiportVertical Aerospace has a plan to capitalize on Europe’s defense tech moment
robotIoTenergyeVTOLhybrid-electricdefense-technologyaerospace