Volocopter (Bruchsal, Germany) is developing electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) for urban passenger transport. The VoloCity air taxi and VoloXPro (light sport eVTOL) are pursuing EASA certification, with VoloXPro expected to receive type certification by end of 2026. Europe's first eVTOL regulatory sandbox launched in 2026 for near-commercial flight trials.
EASA published the world's first dedicated eVTOL certification framework (SC-VTOL), giving Europe a regulatory lead in urban air mobility. Volocopter holds pilot training approval under these new regulations — a first anywhere in the world. The company has completed over 2,000 test flights and signed vertiport infrastructure agreements with multiple European cities.
The European approach differs from the US (where Joby Aviation leads): EASA's comprehensive regulatory framework covers not just aircraft certification but also pilot licensing, vertiport requirements, and airspace integration. This means when European eVTOLs are certified, the entire operational ecosystem is ready — not just the aircraft. The challenge remains commercial: battery energy density limits range to ~35km, making urban commuter routes the initial use case.