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

Verified

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

Key Takeaways:

The eVTOL industry saw significant growth in 2021, with companies securing substantial funding by going public via SPACs, attracting major airlines through provisional purchase deals, and gaining credibility with the entry of automotive manufacturers like Honda and Stellantis.
Key infrastructure development progressed with partnerships formed to build vertiports and charging stations, alongside successful prototype flight tests and aggressive timelines set for regulatory certification.
The Asia-Pacific region emerged as a strategic market, with eVTOL companies establishing partnerships and conducting demonstrations aimed at launching air taxi services in various countries.

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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.