AirCar, one of Türkiye's leading startups in autonomous and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technologies, has elevated its global vision by launching a strategic investment round in the United States. Through AirCar Aviation Inc., the domestic technology venture aims to raise $5 million in funding based on a $100 million valuation. The company plans to transform its flying car concept into a physical experience centre with a showroom opening in San Francisco this June, while also completing the certification processes for its two-seater model in the US market.
Next-Generation Personal Aviation: AirCar Light Sport eVTOL
Continuing its operations since 2017 with the goal of bringing urban transportation into the third dimension, AirCar promises not just a vehicle, but a new lifestyle. The developed two-seater Light Sport eVTOL model sits at the heart of the vision for roadless cities. This vehicle aims to simplify the complex structure of traditional civil aviation for individual users.
Defining next-generation aviation norms, the two-seater "Light Sport eVTOL" model promises to revolutionise urban transport. The vehicle's technical architecture combines superior performance data with safety standards in a single airframe. Featuring a fully electric infrastructure, the aircraft is powered by 400-volt semi-solid lithium-ion batteries. These powerful batteries feed eight independent electric motors on the vehicle. Furthermore, the aircraft is capable of remaining airborne for 30 to 45 minutes on a single charge. Additionally, the system offers an estimated flight range of between 50 and 80 kilometres.
Reaching a maximum speed of 130 kilometres per hour (70 knots), this next-generation aircraft provides operational efficiency with a payload capacity of 250 kilograms. With a luggage volume of 1 cubic metre or the capacity to carry two cabin-sized bags, the system also meets urban logistics needs. Moreover, the vehicle can be fast-charged in as little as 15 minutes. Regarding safety equipment, the automatically deploying ballistic parachute system stands out. The system operates with a triple-redundant fly-by-wire flight control architecture and a quadruple-redundant battery system, ensuring maximum passenger safety in potential emergencies.
Aviation Safety Standards and Certification Process
The commercial success and reliability of an aircraft are directly linked to its certification process. AirCar views the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) update as a strategic opportunity for its entry into the US market. Under this regulation, AirCar can be certified in the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category.
Unlike traditional pilot licences, AirCar users will be authorised to operate the vehicle after a two-week program comprising only 30 hours of flight and ground training. On the safety side, the technology was designed with an uncompromising structure. The automatically deploying ballistic parachute, triple-redundant flight computers, and quadruple-redundant battery architecture increase the vehicle's safety coefficient. Additionally, AirCar proves its industrial maturity by offering a warranty of two years or 500 operating hours for every vehicle leaving the factory.
Valuation Surge from Türkiye to Silicon Valley
AirCar's crowdfunding round in the US demonstrates the startup's financial growth in figures. Previously receiving investment in Türkiye via the fonbulucu platform with the support of 1,715 investors, the company's valuation at that time was approximately $20 million. Today, the $100 million valuation set for US operations is a concrete indicator of the global interest in domestic technology.
The company will utilise the $5 million resource raised in exchange for a 5 percent stake in the following areas:
- Operating the AirCar Showroom centre to be opened in San Francisco.
- Sales launch of the AirDrone (heavy cargo) and AirCar Ultralight models.
- Financing the full certification processes of the two-seater eVTOL model in the US.
In addition, the showroom opening in June will serve not only as a sales point but also as a technology base where investors and potential customers can experience eVTOL technology firsthand.
The Goal is More Than Just Manufacturing Flying Cars
AirCar is not merely a flying car project; it is building a new transportation layer for urban logistics, personal transport, and emergency services. Its product range, expanding from heavy-lift drone systems to ultralight personal aircraft, positions the brand not just as a manufacturer but as a mobility ecosystem builder.
The entry of AirCar which completed its R&D processes and continues its test flights successfully in Türkiye into the US market with such a strong valuation redefines the export potential of the domestic technology ecosystem. As Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is expected to become a multi-billion dollar market in the next decade, AirCar is working to secure its share of the pie.
