FutureFlight
Flying Cars Capture the Public Imagination, But Will Regulators Approve Them?
While most advanced air mobility start-ups are developing eVTOL air taxis for commercial use, these companies plan to deliver vehicles for personal use that can be flown and also driven on the ground.
Xpeng's X3 flying car is pictured during its first test flight.
Xpeng's X3 flying car is pictured during its first test flight. (Photo: Xpeng)

While most vehicle manufacturers working in the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector are focused on building eVTOL air taxis and other electric or hybrid aircraft, a few companies are pressing ahead with plans for literal flying cars—vehicles that can both fly in the air and be driven on roads. 

Like other eVTOLs, some of these flying cars can take off and land vertically without the need for long runways to transition from driving to flying. However, whereas the FAA and other international regulators have a pretty good idea of how eVTOLs will be certified to fly, there is currently no clear pathway to certification for these elaborate cars equipped with rotors and wings.