Automakers Take Flight: eVTOL Partnerships and Launch Plans
Embraer Eve eVTOL prototype for taxi testing
By EVWorld.com Si Editorial Team
Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are moving from concept to reality, and major automakers are helping lead the charge. These partnerships blend aerospace innovation with automotive scale, aiming to reshape urban and regional mobility. Here's where the key players stand in 2025.
Western Partnerships and Program Status
| Startup | Automaker | Program Status | Certification | Launch Plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archer Aviation | Stellantis | Midnight aircraft in production; Covington, GA factory operational | FAA type certification targeted by end of 2025 | Initial operations planned for U.S. cities in 2026 |
| Joby Aviation | Toyota | 80% FAA certification complete; dual-state production underway | FAA certification expected by mid-2026 | Commercial service planned in U.S. and Dubai by 2026 |
| Supernal | Hyundai | Program paused after leadership exits; restructuring underway | Certification timeline under review; previously aimed for 2028 | Launch plans delayed; future timeline TBD |
| Eve Air Mobility | Porsche Consulting | Aircraft design finalized; manufacturing strategy in place | Dual certification with Brazil's ANAC and FAA targeted for 2026 | Initial flights planned in Sao Paulo and select U.S. cities |
Chinese Carmakers and Global Expansion
| Carmaker | eVTOL Program | Program Status | Certification | Launch Plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XPeng (Aridge) | Land Aircraft Carrier | Rebranded as Aridge; manned flights completed in Dubai | UAE flight permit granted; China production certificate pending | Middle East deliveries begin in 2026; China mass production planned |
| Geely | Volocopter Chengdu JV | 150 aircraft ordered; manufacturing base in Chengdu | EASA certification delayed to 2025; China JV awaiting CAAC approval | Launch planned for Chengdu and Chongqing urban routes |
| BYD | Undisclosed R&D | No public aircraft; internal development ongoing | No certification filings disclosed | Launch timeline unknown; expected to target domestic Chinese market |
Who's Leading the Pack?
Among the many contenders, three programs stand out as the most advanced and commercially viable:
- Archer Aviation - Backed by Stellantis, Archer is in production and targeting FAA certification by late 2025. With Lilium's IP now in-house, it has a strong tech and manufacturing edge.
- Joby Aviation - Toyota's $400M backing and Joby's dual-state production give it a serious lead. FAA certification is 80% complete, with launch plans in the U.S. and Dubai by 2026.
- Eve Air Mobility - With Embraer's aerospace pedigree and Porsche's design-for-manufacture support, Eve is on track for dual certification and launch in Brazil and the U.S.
These three have clear certification timelines, defined launch cities, and deep industrial backing?making them the most credible contenders for early commercial success.
Why Automakers Are Investing
- Manufacturing scale - Automakers bring production expertise and supply chain efficiency.
- Mobility ecosystem - eVTOLs complement EVs in future urban transport networks.
- Brand innovation - Companies like Hyundai and XPeng aim to lead in next-gen mobility, not just ground vehicles.
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