Adopting electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for green transport transformation

Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs), also known as flying cars, are expected to lead a new round of transport transformation owing to their superior travel speed and spatial flexibility. While the benefits in transport efficiency are solid, such transformation is criticized by many for increasing the climate burden. This criticism primarily stems from the significantly higher energy consumption associated with air transport compared to on-road transport. Behind such criticism lies the research gap that the climate impacts of eVTOLs have rarely been examined due to the complexity of eVTOL configuration and operation. This study fills this research gap by establishing a well-to-wheel and cradle-to-gate combined process-based life cycle assessment framework involving flying process modeling, component sizing, and operation simulation modules. Here, we show that a four-seat, 100-km eVTOL emits 0.24 kg CO₂-eq/passenger-km, which is twice that of a comparable on-road battery electric vehicle. This emissions gap can be narrowed with advanced battery technology and cleaner electricity. Improved battery-specific energy (500 Wh/kg) can reduce eVTOL emissions to 0.15 kg CO₂-eq/passenger-km, 41.3% higher than battery electric vehicle emissions. When the electricity emission factor decreases to 0.10 kg CO₂-eq/kWh, eVTOL emissions can be significantly reduced to 0.05 kg CO₂-eq/passenger-km, which equals battery electric vehicle emissions. Here, we argue that with comprehensive production, regulation, and operation strategies, the upcoming transport transition from vehicles to eVTOLs could be a green one.