Flying Cars: Hype or the next layer of mobility?

The Future Takes Flight: eVTOLs Poised to Transform Urban Mobility by 2028

The long-anticipated “flying car” is evolving into eVTOLs, or electrical vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. At Web Summit Rio de Janeiro 2026, CEO Johann Bordais of Eve Air Mobility clarified these are 100% electric vehicles for one pilot and four passengers, capable of vertical takeoff/landing and horizontal flight. Designed for 85-kilometer missions, they can be recharged for multiple daily operations, with technology already viable.

Mr. Bordais stressed that urban air mobility is a long-term business, not a helicopter replacement. Eve’s success relies on three pillars: Embraer’s 56-year aerospace legacy (Embraer owns 71% of Eve), a substantial 2700-aircraft pre-order book, and $1.3 billion in funding for certification within two years. This robust foundation aims for sustainable growth despite past industry setbacks.

CEO Jeremy Akel of Omni Helicopters International, representing Rivo, committed $250 million to eVTOLs, driven by deep conviction in disrupting mobility. Rivo is already proving the concept in São Paulo using helicopters, doubling its customer base annually since 2023. This demonstrates a clear market demand for efficient, stress-free travel solutions.

eVTOLs offer significant passenger advantages over helicopters: less vibration, reduced noise, more spacious interiors, and increased speed. These features create a peaceful, stress-free journey, especially for time-sensitive commutes like airport transfers in congested urban areas. São Paulo, with its notorious traffic and existing helicopter infrastructure, is an ideal testbed for this innovation.

eVTOLs will complement helicopters for shorter, intra-city missions, while helicopters serve longer-range needs. Battery technology, improving by 50% every three years, will extend eVTOL capabilities through simple battery substitutions. This flexible approach ensures both aircraft types fulfill distinct roles, supported by Brazilians’ readiness to embrace modern transportation.

The vision is to “democratize the sky.” Rivo has already reduced São Paulo helicopter shuttle costs from $1000 to $400. Mr. Bordais anticipates eVTOLs, with lower operating expenses, will further decrease prices, making air mobility more accessible and scalable, eventually resembling widespread ground-based ride-sharing services.

Addressing competition from autonomous ground vehicles, Mr. Akel noted eVTOLs provide unique value in time savings and peace of mind. Guaranteeing a stress-free, on-time arrival at critical destinations like Guarulhos Airport offers a compelling advantage for customers prioritizing efficiency and comfort over potentially cheaper, slower ground alternatives.

The “unglamorous” aspects, like managing weather and ensuring safety, are embraced by the Rivo team’s passion. Mr. Bordais added that robust operations and aftermarket support are crucial for mission availability and reliability, paramount for a $5 million aircraft. Embraer’s 56 years of expertise guarantees high availability and controlled operating costs, essential for Rivo’s profitability and future expansion.

For the partnership to succeed by 2028, Mr. Akel expressed full confidence in Eve’s unique culture of humility and ambition. Mr. Bordais emphasized shared values and a collective “leap of faith.” Crucially, the entire ecosystem—including regulatory authorities, power companies, and air traffic management—must be prepared to integrate this transformative technology for widespread adoption.