What Companies Are Leading the eVTOL Race? – A deep dive into companies like Joby Aviation, Volocopter, and Xpeng AeroHT.

Joby Aviation S4 2.0 - California Test Flight

What is an eVTOL aircraft?

An Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft is a battery-powered air vehicle designed for urban transportation. Similar to a helicopter, it can take off and land vertically. eVTOLs use advanced electric propulsion systems to provide low-emission air transportation for passengers, cargo, and emergency services. Companies like Joby Aviation, Volocopter, and Xpeng AeroHT are making significant technological, regulation, and development strides. But who is truly leading the pack? 

There are growing concerns about the mass urban population, leading to increased vehicle congestion and vehicular emissions. Cities like Toronto, Los Angeles, Singapore, and Shanghai are often found at a standstill during rush hour, and with a consistently rising urban population, congestion will continue to worsen. eVTOL aircraft companies are working to develop and implement a cleaner, faster, and more efficient mode of urban transportation. These aircrafts are designed to act as air taxis, cargo carriers, and potentially as emergency responders in the future.

Industry Leaders:

Joby Aviation:

Founded in 2009, Joby Aviation has been an industry leader in eVTOL aircraft development. The company's flagship aircraft, the Joby Aviation S4 2.0, stands out with its unique features. This four-passenger aircraft, operated by a pilot, boasts a top speed of 200 mph and a range of 100 miles, making it ideal for efficient urban transportation. The S4 2.0 is composed of six electric motors which are capable of near-silent operation and zero emissions, setting it apart as an environmentally friendly option. In 2022, Joby Aviation received a 60 million dollar investment from Delta Airlines and a $500 million investment from Toyota.

Based out of the United States, Joby Aviation has primarily conducted test flights in Dubai, where CEO JoeBen Bevirt announced a plan to begin the roll-out of eVTOL taxi services in late 2025. Joby Aviation received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to commence test flights in the United States. It had a successful demonstration flight over New York City in 2023, demonstrating its drive to establish itself as a global leader in the emerging urban air mobility market. In 2025 alone, Joby Aviation has surpassed three of five stages in the FAA’s certification process. Delta Airlines CEO, Ed Basitan believes that eVTOL aircrafts will be able to shorten the time from Westchester County to JFK Airport by an hour and forty-five minutes. 

Volocopter GmbH:

Volocopter is a German aerospace company that is leading the innovation of eVTOL aircrafts in Europe. Founded in 2011 by entrepreneurs Alexander Zosel and Stephen Wolf, they are at the forefront of designing electric helicopters for taxi & emergency services. Volocopter was once thought to have been the closest company to build and integrate an eVTOL aircraft into service in France as they worked with French authorities to introduce their model “VoloCity” during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. However, this plan was postponed due to a combination of financial challenges, such as the high cost of developing and testing the aircraft, and regulatory hurdles, including the need to meet stringent safety standards. This situation, similar to Joby Aviation, indicates industry-wide challenges. Volocopters future is now at stake, with them recently filing for insolvency. The company is seeking new investments to continue operations and achieve regulatory certifications.

The “VoloCity” was a small two-person eVTOL aircraft designed to travel up to speeds of 110 km/h and a maximum distance of 35 km. Compared to competitor designs, Volocopter has a slower speed and a smaller maximum distance, which caused CEO Dirk Hoke to announce his departure from Volocpter in February 2025 due to a lack of innovation and development in Europe compared to China and the United States. Although Volocpter is still maintaining operations despite filing for insolvency, a pursuit of investments and a new CEO are certainly concerns for the future of eVTOL development in Germany and Europe.

Xpeng AeroHT:

Xpeng AeroHT (Xpeng) is a subsidiary of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng Motors, which specializes in developing eVTOL aircraft. Initially established in 2013 as AeroHT, the company rebranded in 2020 following a large investment by Xpeng. Unlike competitors, Xpeng is developing an eVTOL aircraft that can also operate as a land vehicle, allowing for a seamless switch from road to air travel to bypass traffic congestion. CEO of Xpeng, He Xiaopeng, announced that they plan to commence mass production of their eVTOL aircraft in 2026 as they already have over 3000 orders. Xpeng also plans to integrate AI into its products' user features, which will help differentiate it from competitors. 

Their primary product, the "Land Aircraft Carrier," is a hybrid vehicle containing a six-wheeled electric truck and a detachable eVTOL aircraft. The eVTOL aircraft is designed with a tilt-rotor that can be used in urban areas and is advertised as a leader in transforming urban mobility. Xpeng has an exciting future. With less than a year until mass production begins, they will be seeking to increase their pre-orders. With strong financial backing and regulatory certificates already issued, it is only a matter of time before we see an eVTOL in an urban Chinese city.

Overall:

The eVTOL industry is at a critical point, with companies racing to be the first to introduce a new form of urban mobility. Joby Aviation leads the race in regulatory practices and global acceptance, positioning itself as a leader in the US and Middle East markets. Volocopter, which was once seen as Europe’s leader in eVTOL development, is facing financial uncertainty, raising questions about its future and leaving Europe open to international competition. Meanwhile, in China, Xpeng AeroHT is leveraging China’s pursuit to lead the world in innovation and AI to integrate road-to-air technology. While each company faces a challenge, these industry leaders have helped turn ideas and designs into a possible reality. With investments, collaborations, and an increasing demand for reducing urban congestion, eVTOL aircrafts will redefine urban and air mobility.