Compare eVTOL Aircraft
Select aircraft to compare side-by-side. Evaluate specs, range, speed, noise levels, certification status, and estimated ticket prices across the leading electric VTOL aircraft shaping the future of urban air mobility.
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Side-by-Side Comparison
Comparing Joby S4 vs Archer Midnight vs EHang EH216-S
| Specification |  | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company | Joby Aviation | Archer Aviation | EHang |
| Configuration | Tilt-Rotor | Tilt-Rotor | Multirotor |
| Passengers | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Max Speed (mph) | 200 | 150 | 80 |
| Range (miles) | 150 | 100 | 22 |
| Cruise Altitude (ft) | 1,500–4,000 | 1,500–4,000 | 300–1,000 |
| Noise Level | ~45 dB at 500m | Sub-45 dB | ~70 dB |
| Certification Status | FAA Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) stage | FAA certification in progress | CAAC certified (Oct 2024) |
| Expected Service Start | Dubai Q2 2026 | Late 2026 | Operating commercially in China |
| Key Partners / Customers | Toyota, Delta Air Lines, Uber Elevate (legacy), Dubai RTA | United Airlines, Stellantis, LA 2028 Olympics, Serbia EXPO 2027 | CAAC, multiple Chinese tourism operators, global expansion underway |
| Estimated Ticket Price | $50–$200 per trip | $50–$150 per trip | $30–$100 per trip |
Joby S4
Joby Aviation
Archer Midnight
Archer Aviation
EHang EH216-S
EHang
Specifications based on manufacturer published data and industry reports as of February 2026. Performance may vary based on conditions and final certified configurations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing eVTOL aircraft and understanding the differences between models.
How do I choose between different eVTOL aircraft?
When comparing eVTOL aircraft, consider key factors like passenger capacity, range, speed, noise levels, and certification status. For short urban trips under 30 miles, multirotor designs like the EHang EH216-S are practical and already certified. For longer routes up to 150 miles, tilt-rotor aircraft like the Joby S4 or Archer Midnight offer higher speed and range. The BETA ALIA is ideal for cargo and longer 250-mile regional routes. Your choice depends on the intended use case, route distance, and when you need service to begin.
What is the difference between Joby S4 and Archer Midnight?
Both the Joby S4 and Archer Midnight are tilt-rotor eVTOL aircraft designed for 4 passengers plus a pilot. The Joby S4 offers faster speed at 200 mph versus Archer Midnight at 150 mph and longer range at 150 miles versus 100 miles. Joby is further along in FAA certification and plans to launch in Dubai in Q2 2026, while Archer targets late 2026. Archer has strong partnerships with United Airlines and is the official air mobility provider for the LA 2028 Olympics. Both aircraft produce noise levels below 45 dB, making them significantly quieter than helicopters.
Which eVTOL aircraft are already certified and flying?
As of early 2026, the EHang EH216-S is the most notable certified eVTOL, having received its CAAC type certificate in October 2024. It operates commercially in China for autonomous passenger flights. The AutoFlight Prosperity I also received CAAC certification in 2024. In the United States, Joby Aviation is the furthest along in the FAA certification process with its Type Inspection Authorization stage. Most other eVTOL aircraft including Archer Midnight, Eve eVTOL, and Vertical Valo are expected to receive certification between 2026 and 2028.
How much will an eVTOL air taxi ride cost?
Estimated eVTOL air taxi ticket prices vary by aircraft and route distance. Short urban trips on aircraft like the EHang EH216-S are expected to cost $30 to $100. Mid-range trips on the Joby S4 or Archer Midnight are estimated at $50 to $200. Longer regional flights on larger aircraft could cost $100 to $300. Industry leaders project that prices will approach ride-sharing rates of $3 to $5 per mile as fleets scale, autonomous operations reduce costs, and manufacturing volumes increase. Initial prices will be higher during the early launch phase.
What are the main eVTOL design configurations?
There are four main eVTOL configurations. Tilt-rotor designs like Joby S4 and Archer Midnight tilt their propellers from vertical for takeoff to horizontal for cruise, offering the best balance of range and speed. Lift-plus-cruise designs like Eve eVTOL use separate propellers for lift and forward flight with fixed wings for cruise efficiency. Multirotor designs like EHang EH216-S use multiple fixed rotors similar to scaled-up drones, offering simplicity but limited range. Ducted-fan designs like the Lilium Jet channel air through enclosed fans for quieter, more efficient thrust.
Can eVTOL aircraft fly autonomously without a pilot?
Currently, the EHang EH216-S is the only certified autonomous eVTOL, operating without a pilot in China. Wisk Gen 6 by Boeing is being designed as fully autonomous from the ground up, targeting certification around 2028. Most other eVTOL manufacturers including Joby and Archer plan to start with piloted operations and transition to autonomous flight as regulations evolve, likely between 2028 and 2032. Autonomous operations are expected to significantly reduce operating costs and ticket prices once approved by aviation authorities.
How quiet are eVTOL aircraft compared to helicopters?
eVTOL aircraft are dramatically quieter than helicopters. While helicopters produce 95 to 100 dB of noise, the quietest eVTOLs like the Joby S4 produce approximately 45 dB at 500 meters, which is quieter than a typical conversation. This represents a perceived noise reduction of roughly 8 to 10 times compared to helicopters. The low noise profile is critical because it allows eVTOLs to operate in dense urban areas and residential neighborhoods where helicopters are restricted or banned due to noise ordinances.
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