Electric Aviation and Automotive Crossover: How Two Industries are Shaping the Future of Mobility

Photo by Neo Oellermann-Dixon on Unsplash

Introduction: The Rise of Electric Mobility Across Air and Road

The global push toward sustainable transportation has led to rapid advancements in both the automotive and aviation sectors. As electric vehicles (EVs) become mainstream on roads, a new wave of innovation is driving the adoption of electric propulsion in the skies. The crossover between electric aviation and automotive technology is not only accelerating the pace of innovation but also creating new business models, supply chain partnerships, and opportunities for organizations and individuals alike. This article explores the state of the electric aviation and automotive crossover, highlights real-world examples, and provides practical guidance for accessing this emerging ecosystem.

The Technology Convergence: Shared Innovations Shaping Both Industries

Electric aviation and automotive sectors share several core technologies, including battery systems, electric motors, power management, and lightweight materials. Advances in one sector often benefit the other, leading to faster progress and cost reductions. For example, improvements in lithium-ion battery density and thermal management-driven by automotive EV demand-have enabled longer-range, more practical electric aircraft designs. Similarly, the aviation sector’s rigorous standards for safety and efficiency are influencing automotive approaches to electric powertrain reliability and redundancy.

Automotive companies are also leveraging their manufacturing expertise and high-volume supply chains to support aviation startups. This synergy is evident in the adoption of modular electric powertrains, scalable battery packs, and software-driven energy management systems used in both eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft and next-generation electric cars. [3]

Automakers Entering the Skies: Case Studies and Partnerships

Major automotive manufacturers are increasingly investing in electric aviation, seeing it as a natural extension of their expertise and a way to diversify revenue streams. For example:

• Stellantis has partnered with Archer Aviation to manufacture the Midnight eVTOL, targeting mass production of 650 aircraft per year by 2030. This partnership leverages Stellantis’s experience in high-volume automotive manufacturing to scale up advanced air mobility solutions. [3]
• Toyota has invested nearly $900 million in Joby Aviation and is developing a manufacturing alliance for electric air taxis. Toyota’s role includes supplying key powertrain and actuation components, drawing directly from its automotive engineering legacy. [3]
• Hyundai has established a fully owned eVTOL subsidiary, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating a portfolio that spans both ground and air mobility services. [3]

These examples illustrate how the lines between the automotive and aviation industries are blurring, with cross-sector partnerships accelerating the development and adoption of electric flight technologies.

Pioneers in Electric Aviation: Who’s Leading the Shift?

Several dedicated electric aviation companies are at the forefront of the industry, often working in close collaboration with automotive partners or applying lessons learned from the automotive EV transition:

• ZeroAvia is developing hydrogen-electric propulsion systems, having completed over 35 test flights with its six-seat prototype and secured commercial deals with major airlines. Their HyFlyer projects aim to scale electric flight up to 20-seat regional aircraft, addressing both emission reduction and operational costs. [1]
• Eviation offers the “Alice”, an all-electric commuter aircraft with a $5 billion order book. The Alice’s design reduces both greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs, making electric aviation a viable commercial proposition. [2]
• Lilium is developing eVTOL jets for urban air mobility, focusing on short-haul, congestion-easing routes between urban and suburban areas. [2]
• Vertical Aerospace produces the VX4, a four-passenger, one-pilot eVTOL designed for emissions-free urban journeys, with a targeted range of up to 100 miles. [4]

The rapid pace of innovation and strong investment are signs that electric aviation is shifting from concept to commercial reality, following a path similar to the automotive sector’s evolution over the past decade.

Business Opportunities and Career Pathways in the Crossover Space

The electric aviation and automotive crossover is creating a wealth of new opportunities in manufacturing, engineering, supply chain management, and services. If you are interested in working in this space or partnering with these companies, consider the following steps:

1. Research Industry Leaders : Start by identifying companies active in electric aviation and cross-sector partnerships. Use official company websites and reputable news sources to stay updated on job openings, collaboration announcements, and supplier opportunities. For example, visit the official websites of Archer Aviation, Joby Aviation, Stellantis, Toyota, or Hyundai to learn about their programs and hiring processes. [3]
2. Develop Relevant Skills : Careers in this space often require expertise in electrical engineering, battery technology, systems integration, aerospace engineering, or advanced manufacturing. Seek out training programs, industry certifications, or university courses focused on electric propulsion and mobility systems.
3. Participate in Industry Events : Attending conferences, webinars, and trade shows related to electric mobility and urban air mobility can provide networking opportunities and insight into the latest trends. Consider searching for “eVTOL conferences” or “electric aviation expos” in your region.
4. Supplier and Service Pathways : Many automakers and aviation firms are seeking suppliers for specialized components such as batteries, motors, sensors, and avionics. If your business operates in this sphere, consider reaching out through official supplier registration portals or industry association directories.

For those exploring investment or business development, monitor public filings, press releases, and industry reports for partnership announcements and RFPs (Requests for Proposals).

How to Access Electric Aviation and Automotive Crossover Services

If you are seeking to experience electric aviation-whether as an early adopter, investor, or service provider-here are practical steps:

• Urban Air Mobility Trials : Several cities are piloting air taxi services using eVTOL aircraft. Monitor news from municipal transportation agencies or urban mobility pilot programs in your area to learn when trials or demonstrations may be open to the public.
• Commercial Airline Offerings : Some regional airlines are partnering with electric aviation companies for short-haul routes. Check with your local or regional airlines for announcements regarding electric aircraft routes or pilot programs. [1]
• Test Flights and Demonstrations : Companies like ZeroAvia and Eviation periodically offer test flights and public demos. Follow their official newsrooms for sign-up opportunities, or join industry associations for updates.
• Contacting Companies Directly : If you are interested in partnership or procurement, use the official contact forms or business development contacts provided on each company’s website. Avoid third-party intermediaries and verify all contact details through official sources.

For individuals or businesses wishing to stay informed about regulatory developments, visit the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) websites and subscribe to their newsletters for updates on certification and safety standards for electric aircraft.

Challenges, Solutions, and Future Outlook

While the crossover between electric aviation and automotive offers tremendous promise, several hurdles remain. These include:

• Battery Energy Density : Aircraft require higher energy density for longer ranges. Ongoing research is focused on new chemistries and solid-state batteries. Automotive advances are helping, but aerospace requirements are more stringent.
• Regulatory Approval : Certification pathways for new aircraft types are complex. Companies are working closely with aviation authorities to address safety, noise, and airspace integration.
• Infrastructure : Both sectors require new charging and maintenance infrastructure. Urban planners and utilities are collaborating with manufacturers to develop scalable solutions.

Despite these challenges, momentum continues to build. Global investment, cross-industry collaboration, and public interest are accelerating the path to widespread adoption. The coming decade will likely see electric aviation and automotive technologies increasingly intertwined, driving a revolution in sustainable mobility.

Photo by ALPEN AIR on Unsplash

References

• [1] Trellis Group (2023). 6 electric aviation companies to keep on your radar.
• [2] MarketsandMarkets (2023). Top Companies List of Commercial Electric Aircraft Industry.
• [3] WardsAuto (2023). Auto Sector to Be Key Player in eVTOL Industry.
• [4] Vertical Aerospace (2024). Pioneering Electric Aviation.