Articles tagged with "electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landing"
More executives depart Hyundai’s air taxi startup Supernal
Hyundai’s electric air taxi startup Supernal is undergoing a significant leadership shakeup following the recent departure of its CEO and CTO and the pausing of its vehicle program. The company confirmed that chief strategy officer Jaeyong Song, chief safety officer Tracy Lamb, and chief of staff Lina Yang have also left. Supernal stated that this transition is part of a strategic review to align its program with long-term goals, while Hyundai Motor Group remains committed to its Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) business. Song’s exit is notable given his long tenure within Hyundai’s AAM group and Supernal, and Lamb brought extensive aerospace safety and piloting experience. Supernal has faced a challenging year, having shut down its Washington, D.C. headquarters late in 2024, conducted its first test flight in March 2025, but then laid off many employees and paused its air taxi program by early September. This turmoil comes amid a critical period for the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL
robotelectric-air-taxiadvanced-air-mobilityurban-air-mobilityautonomous-vehicleselectric-vertical-takeoff-and-landingHyundai-SupernalNew 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-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-technologyJoby 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-aircraftNew 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-connectivity