What Are eVTOLs? (And When Can I Call One Like an Uber?)
Imagine skipping rush hour traffic entirely by just lifting off the ground and soaring over it all like you're in a sci-fi movie. No, it’s not just something from Star Wars — it’s called an eVTOL, and it’s coming faster than you think.
Let’s take a ride into the world of flying taxis.
So, What Is an eVTOL, Exactly?
eVTOL stands for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing vehicle. In simple terms? It’s like a futuristic helicopter, but quieter, cleaner, and designed to whisk you above congested cities without the fossil-fueled roar.
Instead of traditional combustion engines, eVTOLs run on electricity, using multiple rotors or fans to lift off vertically, hover, cruise horizontally like an airplane, and land vertically again. They’re sort of like oversized, grown-up drones — but for people.
Why Do eVTOLs Matter?
Think of the pain of sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic or trying to make a 45-minute airport transfer in 20 minutes. eVTOLs aim to solve that by going above the problem. They’re being pitched as:
Air taxis for short urban commutes
Airport shuttles that cut ground travel time drastically
Emergency and cargo delivery solutions in hard-to-reach areas
A more sustainable alternative to traditional helicopters
They’re electric, often quieter than a Prius, and many have zero emissions. Basically, it’s the greenest way to hover over your city like a tech-savvy James Bond.
will be available in New York, Los Angelos, London, and Dubai to begin
Joby vs. Archer: The Race for the Skies
Two big players are taking center stage in the eVTOL game: Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. Let’s see how they compare:
| Feature | Joby Aviation | Archer Aviation (Midnight) |
|---|---|---|
| Top Speed | ~200 mph | ~150 mph |
| Range | ~150 miles | ~100 miles |
| Passenger Capacity | 4 passengers + 1 pilot | 4 passengers + 1 pilot |
| Noise Level | Very low (~45 dB at takeoff) | Low-noise design (exact dB TBD) |
| Launch Focus | Airport shuttles, suburban commuting | Urban mobility, short-range city hops |
| Backers/Partners | Toyota, Delta Airlines | United Airlines, Stellantis |
| Flight Testing | 10,000+ test flights completed | Flight testing & FAA certification underway |
Joby is a bit ahead in testing and FAA certification, with aircraft already flying regularly. Archer’s Midnight, meanwhile, is hot on its heels, built for high-frequency, short-range hops — think L.A. to Santa Monica in under 10 minutes.
Are eVTOLs the New Uber?
That’s the idea. Both Joby and Archer are planning app-based ride-hailing services, just like Uber or Lyft — but in the sky.
United Airlines wants to use Archer’s eVTOLs for routes like Manhattan to Newark Airport in under 10 minutes (currently a 45+ minute car ride). Delta and Joby are doing something similar for JFK.
Expect it to feel like:
Book on your phone
Head to a “vertiport” (basically a mini sky terminal on a rooftop)
Zoom through the sky, bypassing traffic
Land somewhere conveniently close to your destination
Pricing? Early estimates say it could cost about the same as a black car service. Think $100–$150 for a quick airport ride, though prices should drop as the tech matures and be inline with Uber Black prices!
When Can I Actually Use One?
The FAA is actively working on certifying these aircraft, air traffic systems, and pilot training standards. Here’s the current timeline:
2025: Limited commercial launches in select cities (like NYC, LA, and Chicago)
2028: Broader rollouts expected, especially ahead of the LA Olympics
2030s: Potential for autonomous (pilotless) flights, lower prices, and global expansion
So — we’re not talking next week, but we’re also not talking sci-fi decades away. If you live in a major metro area, you might be zipping across the sky before your next passport expires.
Cool Fun Fact:
NASA is working with Joby to simulate how eVTOLs will integrate into airspace, kind of like a traffic controller for flying taxis. Yes, we’re designing air highways now.
Final Thoughts
eVTOLs aren’t just “flying cars” — they’re a bold reimagining of how we move through the world. Quiet, fast, electric, and nimble, these futuristic rides could change how we think about commuting, travel, and urban design.
And while it might be a couple years before you’re hailing a Joby instead of an Uber, one thing’s for sure: the skies are about to get a lot more interesting.