Operational feasibility and mobility outcome from eVTOL based on existing air infrastructure

Abstract

Verbatim from Embry-Riddle Scholarly Commons. Not paraphrased, not summarized.

This study aimed to assess the operational feasibility and air mobility outcomes of introducing Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles in São Paulo City and the surrounding metropolitan area, utilizing the existing infrastructure of helipads and heliports. We analyzed the technical specifications of five eVTOL models capable of carrying at least four passengers to determine their compatibility with the 308 existing helipads in São Paulo. The results showed that between 64% and 99% of possible routes could be achieved by the eVTOL models, leading to increased air mobility benefits. Our findings suggest that integrating eVTOLs can be a crucial strategy in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as outlined in the Paris Agreement of 2015. Financial mechanisms such as carbon credits and carbon offsets, which have existed since the Kyoto Protocol of 1997 can support this transition. Replacing helicopters with eVTOL aircraft could significantly reduce CO2 emissions, generating up to $1.3 million in carbon credits annually per eVTOL. A cost-benefit analysis revealed that the acquisition costs of EVTOLs are 77% lower than those of equivalent helicopters. Additionally, eVTOLs have the potential to alleviate São Paulo's severe traffic congestion by reducing the number of cars on the road by an average of 8.6%, resulting in the avoidance of 52 million tons of CO2 emissions over ten years. The results of this study provide valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers and aviation stakeholders to integrate eVTOLs into São Paulo's transportation system seamlessly.

Authors

• O'Reilly, Peter Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Ivaldo de Andrade, Antonio Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Vieira, Danilo Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Rosa Marques, Jorge Luis Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Feitosa de A. L. Babadopulos, Marco Aurélio Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Petrescu, Maria Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• eVTOL
• carbon emissions
• sustainability
• Advanced Air Mobility