Technically known as electric vertical take-off and landing – or eVTOL – aircraft, air taxis resemble a sleek, futuristic hybrid between a private jet and a helicopter with more than one motor. While Joby Aviation is based in Santa Cruz and Archer Aviation in San Jose, both firms have big plans to use Los Angeles as testing ground. Local opportunities and challengesThe air taxi arrived with as much excitement as concern. In addition, the eVTOL aircraft is more environmentally friendly, which can make it cheaper to fly than a helicopter or a private jet. Furthermore, while it may not make business sense for major airlines to serve a small town, eVTOL aircraft might come in handy.