An eVTOL is an electrically powered aircraft that takes off and lands vertically, without a runway. The name stands for electric vertical take-off and landing. It combines vertical flight with electric propulsion, using electric motors to drive rotors, propellers or ducted fans that produce thrust.
How does an eVTOL work?
An eVTOL converts stored electrical energy into thrust, using it for vertical lift at take-off and landing before transitioning to horizontal flight for the cruise phase. Its electric propulsion system includes a battery pack, motors and power electronics that distribute energy between them.
Electric propulsion can distribute thrust across several smaller motors rather than relying on a single large engine. Compared with an internal combustion engine, it is quieter and produces no direct emissions.
What is an eVTOL intended to do?
Many eVTOL concepts in the United States are intended for short routes between city centres or between a city and an airport, often described as air taxi services. Vertical take-off and landing is central to the concept: it allows the aircraft to leave and return without a runway.
Aircraft configurations vary, as can the way they are operated:
- Onboard piloted: a pilot operates the aircraft from onboard.
- Remotely operated: the aircraft is operated remotely.
- Fully autonomous: an operation envisaged for the longer term.
eVTOL and conventional VTOL
The distinction is the energy source, not vertical flight alone. For example, a Harrier jet can take off vertically but burns aviation fuel, whereas an eVTOL uses electric motors to generate vertical thrust.
When we look at an aircraft described as an eVTOL, the defining points are electric power and vertical take-off and landing. Its particular configuration and means of operation can vary, so those details are worth checking separately.
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