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:

In 2021, eVTOL companies like Archer, Joby, and Lilium secured significant funding by going public via SPACs, boosting industry credibility, a trend further validated by the entry of major automakers such as Honda and Stellantis.
Major airlines, including United and Azul, demonstrated strong confidence in eVTOLs through substantial purchase and partnership deals, alongside a critical push to develop ground infrastructure like vertiports.
The Asia-Pacific region emerged as a key strategic market, with companies like Volocopter and Embraer's Eve establishing partnerships and conducting demonstrations to prepare for future air taxi services.

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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.