Central Florida to Pilot Electric ‘Flying Car’ Technology by Year’s End
Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Central Florida will begin testing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, commonly referred to as "flying cars," by the end of the year at the SunTrax test facility in Polk County. This initiative is…
Orlando Daytona Beach Melbourne, FL, August 13, 2026 —
Central Florida is set to become a testing ground for a new era of transportation as Governor Ron DeSantis announced that electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, often dubbed “flying cars,” will undergo testing by the end of the year. The initiative will take place at the SunTrax test facility located in Polk County.
This development is a component of a wider strategy to foster and advance aerial mobility across the state. Recent legislative actions have been put in place to support the creation of public vertiports and the development of comprehensive advanced air mobility plans.
The introduction of eVTOL aircraft testing signifies a significant step towards integrating novel aviation technologies into the state’s infrastructure. These aircraft, capable of vertical takeoff and landing, are seen as a potential solution for future urban and regional transportation, offering alternatives to traditional ground-based travel.
The SunTrax facility in Polk County provides a controlled environment for evaluating the performance, safety, and operational capabilities of these emerging aircraft. Further details regarding the specific types of eVTOL aircraft to be tested and the timeline for the testing phases were not immediately available.
The broader legislative support for advanced air mobility indicates a commitment to positioning Florida as a leader in this burgeoning sector. The development of public vertiports is crucial for establishing the necessary infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of eVTOL technology, enabling seamless integration into existing transportation networks.
Story summarized from the original created by Jim Turner, News Service of Florida on www.orlandoweekly.com, see more information here.
