eVTOL

An electric aircraft that takes off and lands vertically, designed mainly as a quiet air taxi for short trips around cities.

• Several electric rotors replace one engine; motors are simple and light, and power is split by wire rather than gearboxes.
• Target trips are roughly 30–150 km with 1–6 passengers, because batteries limit range and required reserves.
• With several independent rotors the loss of one motor can be survived, a redundancy helicopters lack.
• Hovering is the most energy-hungry phase, so most designs cruise on wings; Joby, Archer and others are working through certification.