eVTOL aircraft: Paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient commute

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• March 28, 2023

By 2025, electric aircraft may transform air travel by providing a new level of efficiency, reduced noise pollution, and lightweight design. These aircraft will likely rely on advanced battery technologies to power their electric engines, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering emissions. As a result, passengers may soon benefit from faster, more sustainable, and more cost-effective travel.

eVTOL aircraft context

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft represent a significant shift in the aviation industry. They combine the capabilities of VTOL technology with electric propulsion, offering unique benefits that traditional planes cannot match. eVTOLs are smaller and more energy-efficient, designed to accommodate four to five passengers, and capable of landing on almost any flat surface, eliminating the need for large runways.

Airbus's CityAirBus NextGen and AutoFlight's V1500M are two projects leading the way in eVTOL technology. The CityAirBus NextGen has zero emissions, a range of 80 kilometers, and a speed of up to 120 kilometers per hour. It also has a noise level of only 65 to 70 decibels, making it one of the quietest aircraft in existence. Meanwhile, the V1500M has both fixed-wing and multi-rotor modes, can fly without a pilot, and boasts a range of 250 kilometers, making it a popular option for air taxi services.

One of the most impressive eVTOLs is Joby's eVTOL, which broke a world record by flying 248.8 kilometers on a single charge, using commercially available Li-ion (lithium-ion) batteries. With several eVTOLs expected to be certified by 2024, the future of air travel could look very different in just a few years. The potential benefits of eVTOLs, such as reduced noise pollution, zero emissions, and greater accessibility, could make them a popular choice for short-distance travel and urban air mobility.

Disruptive impact 

With air taxis, mobility will be faster and less disruptive to residential and commercial areas, as they can avoid traffic congestion and provide a quicker alternative. This shift could lead to a significant decrease in the burden on road infrastructure, saving on repairs and maintenance costs. Additionally, the combined use of air and road transport could alleviate the pressure on existing infrastructure.

The potential benefits of air taxis have attracted significant interest from major players in the transportation industry. Companies like Uber, Boeing, and Airbus have already begun investing in eVTOL technology. As more companies enter the market, the costs associated with traveling on eVTOL aircraft will likely decrease, making air travel accessible to more people. This development could significantly reduce fossil fuel usage, accelerating the road to net-zero emissions and helping combat climate change.

However, the introduction of air taxis could also present challenges in policing. While roads make tracking criminal movements easier, adding an extra dimension to travel could create new complications. New regulations and safety standards will be crucial in ensuring these aircraft operate safely and securely. 

Implications of eVTOL aircraft

Wider implications of eVTOL aircraft may include:

• Increased air traffic that calls for designing new aerial routes and implementation of urban air traffic controls to prevent collisions.


• The introduction of eVTOL aircraft requiring significant changes to transportation infrastructure, particularly in terms of the development of landing and takeoff facilities. 


• A gradual shift in the way cities are designed. One scenario could see more densely populated urban areas due to the reduced use of land vehicles; another scenario could see increased sprawl as eVTOLs may enable populations to live further apart without the strains of traffic.


• A decrease in atmospheric noise and dust levels.


• Big Oil further diversifying its projects as the reliance on fossil fuels for transport decreases. 


• Bird migration patterns being affected by the increased volume of aircraft, particularly in urban skies.


• Reduced travel times and increased connectivity between communities, leading to better mobility and social interaction, as well as changes in how people use and interact with urban spaces.


• Potential job losses in the aviation industry. However, new jobs and industries related to eVTOL manufacturing, maintenance, and operation will likely emerge. 


• Increased economic activity and growth, particularly in areas with poor transportation infrastructure.


• Governments establishing new regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe operation of these vehicles, and there may be debates over issues such as noise pollution and airspace management.


• Concerns about the affordability and accessibility of these vehicles, particularly in developing countries or areas with low-income populations.

Questions to consider

• Will eVTOLs ever be accessible enough to make it an option for mass commuting?


• How might eVTOL aircraft be regulated?