Imagine you're driving your car during rush hour, stuck in the worst traffic jam imaginable, and you're going to be late. You glance up at the sky and wish for a flying taxi to magically transport you out of the mess.

This dream is now much closer to reality with the advent of battery-powered aircraft called eVTOLs, which are designed to fly in crowded cities like New York and Los Angeles. We've rounded up a list of the most cutting-edge eVTOLs.

What Is an eVTOL?

eVTOL stands for electric vertical take-off and landing vehicle. These innovative machines are an integral part of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) movement. AAM aims to create a secure and computerized air transport network for passengers and goods in urban and rural areas, while UAM focuses on low-altitude operations within cities and suburbs.

Planned in a variety of sizes, eVTOLs can accommodate one or more passengers, as well as some cargo. They are quieter, cleaner, and more economical than traditional helicopters and have the potential to be fully automated, so they wouldn't require a pilot.

1. Lilium Jet

Lilium Jet
Image Credit: Lilium

Lilium, a German aerospace company, introduced its eVTOL aircraft called Jet in March 2021. With a range of over 155 miles and a cruising speed of 175 mph, the seven-seat Lilium Jet will offer sustainable, high-speed regional transportation. Its quiet vertical take-off and landing capabilities will enable it to access more landing sites, resulting in a higher-density network without expensive ground infrastructure.

The Lilium Jet includes a high-performance carbon fiber composite airframe, automotive-style manufacturing, Honeywell's next-generation integrated UAM avionics system, and a ducted electric vectored thrust propulsion system. The aircraft's fixed wing with embedded distributed propulsion will deliver superior aerodynamic efficiency and the ability to cruise at a maximum altitude of 10,000 ft.

Lilium plans to launch the aircraft for commercial operations in 2024.

2. Manta ANN

Manta Aircraft - ANN2 Hybrid eVTOL
Image Credit: Manta Aircraft

Switzerland's Manta Aircraft aims to revolutionize aviation with its new hybrid (and eventually all-electric or hydrogen fuel cell-powered) aircraft. The ANN family includes multi-seat and drone versions of the VTOL, boasting impressive endurance and range figures thanks to carbon composite construction and hybrid propulsion.

The ANN models combine airplane and helicopter characteristics with vertical take-off and landing; they can provide a range of 186 to 559 miles, a cruising speed of up to 186 mph, and are optimized for maneuverability. The on-board battery pack can be recharged en route, allowing for short ground time and high dispatch readiness.

There are two versions of Manta's craft. Thanks to its compact size, the ANN2 (two seats) is designed for personal transportation, law enforcement, and emergency medical support. The larger ANN4 (four seats) targets business use, such as commercial air taxis and freight deliveries.

3. Volocopter VoloRegion

VoloRegion Flying Front
Image Credit: Volocopter

Volocopter, a German company founded in 2011, specializes in eVTOL aircraft for efficient urban travel. In 2011, the company flew the world's first crewed multi-copter and has since developed the VoloRegion, a long-range eVTOL aircraft that completed its first flight in May 2022.

The VoloRegion can hold up to four passengers and has a cruising speed of 110 mph, a range of 60 miles, and a payload capacity of 660 to 880 pounds. The aircraft features six VTOL propellers, two ducted fans for forward flight, as well as multiple redundant systems for additional safety.

The VoloRegion will be piloted autonomously and has battery-swapping capability. Volocopter plans to use this aircraft for both passenger and cargo service and estimates it will be certified and in service by 2026.

4. SkyDrive SD-XX

Japanese startup SkyDrive plans to launch its flying car prototype, the SD-XX, as a commercial air taxi by 2025 in collaboration with Suzuki. It's expected to be unveiled at the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka, Japan. The SD-XX features a compact design, allowing for vertical take-off and landing in various locations, with the ability to drive away after landing.

With a top speed of 62 mph and a range of 12 miles, the two-seater vehicle has eight propellers that enable it to fly 1,640 feet above the ground. Dropping the cruising speed to 37 mph should increase the range to 20 miles.

5. Archer Maker

Archer Aviation, a California-based aircraft manufacturer, has developed the Maker eVTOL aircraft, which is equipped with 12 electric motors that enable it to achieve speeds of up to 150 mph and cover distances of 60 miles on a single charge. In addition to its impressive performance, the Maker eVTOL also features gull-wing doors that enhance its overall aesthetic.

Archer is currently conducting testing on the Maker eVTOL, planning to deploy the aircraft as part of a ride-sharing service in late 2024. The success of the flight testing program is crucial in validating the flight physics of Archer's 12-tilt-6 propeller configuration (meaning the propellers tilt forward after the vehicle has taken off in order to provide forward propulsion.)

The company also uses this configuration on Midnight, a separate electric aircraft that Archer is working to meet Federal Aviation Administration standards. The data generated from the Maker's flight test program has been instrumental in the development and certification process for Midnight.

Archer's Maker eVTOL also features a flight control system that has been proven during testing; it's a key technology to help the company achieve its urban air mobility goals.

eVTOLs Bring Many Benefits to Air Transportation

Air transportation is set to change dramatically with the introduction of eVTOLs. Companies like Lilium, Manta, Volocopter, SkyDrive, and Archer are at the forefront of developing and testing these aircraft. The benefits of eVTOLs are numerous, including reduced noise pollution, lower emissions, and the potential for automation.

The future looks bright for eVTOLs, with the technology continuing to improve, opening up possibilities for even more advanced forms of air travel.