5 Ways eVTOL Got Bigger in 2021

t’s only been a few years since the birth of the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) movement, but in 2021, companies were already clearing major hurdles.

Thom Patterson

Monday, December 27, 2021 at 08:55 AM ET

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In July, Joby's prototype successfully completed a 154-mile flight on a single battery charge. [Courtesy: Bradley Wentzel]

Key Takeaways:

The eVTOL industry gained significant credibility and capital in 2021, with several manufacturers going public via SPACs and securing hundreds of millions in funding for development.
Major airlines committed to substantial provisional eVTOL orders, validating the market, while strategic partnerships were formed to develop crucial vertiport infrastructure for future operations.
The industry saw broader adoption with traditional auto manufacturers like Honda and Stellantis entering the eVTOL space, and a strong focus emerged on expanding into the Asia-Pacific region.

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It’s only been a few years since the birth of the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) movement, but in 2021, companies were already clearing major hurdles to success in funding, aviation partnerships, and infrastructure.

More than 150 manufacturers and startups worldwide are developing entirely new designs for environmentally friendly, hovering air taxis, ambulances, regional airliners and even cargo haulers. None have achieved FAA or EASA certification, although several companies are projecting certification as soon as 2023 or 2024.