Currently, there are no eVTOL aircraft rental services available to the public. However, there are some companies and organizations that are working on developing eVTOL aircraft for commercial use, such as air cab services. For example, four eVTOL air cab vertiports are planned to be built in Milan, Italy, and are expected to start operating in 2026.
Eve Air Mobility has released a route simulator that points to what the CO2 saved on classic routes could be.
For example, an eVTOL rental service from Miami International Airport to South Beach would take only 15 minutes and save 25 kg of emissions. It currently takes 45 minutes with a car.
It is worth noting that many automakers and startups are investing in EVTOL technology, which could lead to the development of rental services.
Costs of a possible eVTOL Taxi:
Archer Aviation: $3.30
Eve Urban Air Mobility: $3.56 – $3.88
Lilium: $2.25
NASA: $6 – $11According to the companies Archer Aviation, Eve Urban Air Mobility, Lilium and NASA these could be the prices per mile per person.
The cost could be surprisingly reasonable, given the advanced technology and convenience of these services. Industry experts predict that initially prices could match those of helicopter charter flights, which typically start at a few hundred dollars for a small trip.
However, as technology develops and operations expand, air cab andVTOL services could become as affordable as an Uber or Lyft ride. This convenience could lead to the democratization of air travel, making it a common mode of transportation for regular commuters.
Industry insiders’ predictions about eVTOL rentals.
In a LinkedIn post, Robin Riedel rattled off some numbers to make a guess about the actual price per passenger of an imaginary 30-mile eVTOL flight.
An initial estimate of the price per passenger per mile would be: $3.30 on a 25-mile trip = $82.50. Then one must multiply this value by all four passenger seats on a typical eVTOL aircraft ($330). Assuming that 75% of the available seats are occupied on each flight, Riedel divided $330 by 75% of the seats and got a fare of $110 per passenger for a 25-mile flight. So far, so good.
Then he compared this to a typical basic rideshare fare (~$1.50 passenger/mile) and to a more expensive black car livery service fare (~$3.75 passenger/mile). He applied these fares to the same destination of 25 miles as the crow flies. He assumed that ground car travel was less linear than air travel. Because of the roads, he estimated that the same destination would require a somewhat longer route, say 30 miles.
Results:
- Basic rideshare: $45
- Black car livery service: $112.50
- eVTOL: $110
Is Avolon banking on eVTOL rental?
In January 2022, Avolon, a major aircraft leasing group, announced plans to add up to 500 eVTOL aircraft from Vertical Aerospace to its portfolio, attracting the attention of the aviation industry. Avolon expects the aviation sector to recover in 2022, although limited to 70 percent of 2019 levels, due to uncertainties related to COVID and challenges in the supply chain.
Avolon sees great potential in eVTOL aircraft and expects nine prototypes to make their first flight this year. The company expects sustainable aviation fuel production and carbon credit prices to increase in 2022.
Avolon is targeting traditional airlines as potential users of eVTOLs in air cab services due to their large customer bases and operational experience. The company is also exploring ways to adapt its rental models for these vehicles.
Avolon’s decision to invest in Vertical Aerospace is motivated by the strength of the company’s partners and the certification obtained through the European agency EASA, which is seen as safer and more marketable. Avolon anticipates that eVTOLs will require less maintenance than conventional aircraft and is seeking additional agreements to introduce these aircraft into service this year, while also keeping an eye on other models. In addition, the company sees long-term potential for fixed-wing electric aircraft.
EVTOL Assembly Kits: The Overview
FAQ
How much will an eVTOL cost?
It is still difficult to give an exact answer, but early stated prices range from $90.000 up to $110.000. Some manufacturers ask for a deposit of about $8.000 on deliveries that will take place a few months later.
In the meantime, it is also possible to think about kits that you can assemble yourself for about $90.000.
Who are the leaders in the eVTOL industry?
- Archer Aviation
- Airbus
- Vertical Aerospace
- EHang
- Volocopter
- Beta Technologies
- Lilium
Top EVTOL Manufacturers
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