Futuristic ₹1.6 Crore Flying Car Can Be Driven by Anyone, No License Required

The concept of flying cars has moved closer to reality with the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, or eVTOLs, designed to navigate crowded urban skies efficiently. While most eVTOLs are envisioned as future taxis, US-based aviation startup Pivotal is taking a different approach by creating a one-seat, recreational eVTOL—a tiny flying car that is even lighter than many high-end motorcycles. A standout feature of Pivotal’s eVTOL is that it can be operated without a pilot’s license, making personal flight accessible to a broader audience.

Pivotal’s eVTOL weighs just 254 pounds (around 115 kilograms) without safety equipment, classifying it as an ultralight vehicle under US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules. This classification allows the company to design, build, test, and iterate the aircraft quickly without being bound by stricter commercial aviation regulations, enabling rapid innovation and experimentation.

The vehicle’s design relies on the VOTL (vertical takeoff and landing) concept, allowing it to lift off vertically like a helicopter using eight electric propellers. Unlike helicopters, the aircraft’s flight is managed primarily through these propellers, and the makers claim that it can remain airborne even if one propeller fails. Once airborne, the eVTOL transitions into horizontal flight, reaching speeds of up to 63 mph (100 km/h). Its tilt-body mechanism allows the same set of propellers to handle both lift and cruise, simplifying the design and reducing maintenance costs.

Flight controls are straightforward: the pilot operates a single joystick and thumb control, while Pivotal’s software automates takeoff and landing. The aircraft is equipped with multiple sensors that continuously monitor wind pressure, airspeed, and location, maintaining stability even in strong winds. Buyers undergo a two-week training program, including simulator sessions, to ensure safe operation.

However, designing an ultralight aircraft comes with limitations. To remain under the FAA’s 115-kilogram limit, battery capacity and onboard equipment are restricted. Safety features are minimal, with no lighting systems, communication radios, or secondary protection measures typically found in certified aircraft. Flight time is limited to about 20 minutes, covering roughly 20 miles (32 kilometers), and flights over densely populated areas are prohibited, restricting practical use for emergency response or city commuting.

Despite these constraints, Pivotal’s focus is on refining a scalable platform. Core technologies like motor layout, sensors, and flight computers are designed to eventually evolve into larger FAA-certified aircraft with greater range and payload capacity. The company is exploring hybrid propulsion systems for defense logistics, aiming for aircraft capable of carrying over 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) across 300 miles (480 kilometers). While such applications are years away, perfecting today’s ultralight eVTOL is seen as a critical step toward enabling future commercial flying machines.

Currently, Pivotal’s eVTOL is not intended to replace cars, helicopters, or conventional aircraft. Instead, it serves as a proof of concept, demonstrating a personal flight vehicle priced around Rs 1.6 crore (approximately $190,000). It showcases a new vision for aviation—one where accessible, compact, and recreational flying vehicles could open the door to personal aerial mobility. By blending ultralight design, simple controls, and automated flight systems, Pivotal is pioneering an approach that could transform personal and recreational flight, laying the foundation for more advanced and capable eVTOLs in the future.