China has taken a significant leap towards the realization of autonomous flying taxis, as EHang, a prominent vehicle manufacturer, secures the world’s first production certificate to manufacture such vehicles within China. The clearance, granted by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), marks a pivotal milestone in the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology.
EHang’s EH216-S, a groundbreaking “passenger-carrying pilotless” eVTOL, has garnered approval for mass production, signifying a transformative stride towards commercial deployment. Unlike previous eVTOLs, which remained at the prototype stage, this development signifies a tangible progression towards commercial viability.
“Our vision is to introduce safe and reliable pilotless eVTOL aircraft to the global market, thereby offering safe, autonomous, and eco-friendly air mobility services to everyone,” stated Huazhi Hu, CEO of EHang, emphasizing the company’s commitment to pioneering safe and sustainable air transportation solutions.
The production certificate empowers E Hang to oversee the entire manufacturing process, encompassing raw material sourcing, supply chain management, quality control, testing, and after-sales services. This comprehensive authorization underscores E Hang’s dedication to ensuring safety and reliability across all facets of eVTOL production and operation.
The EH216-S, initially unveiled in 2018, boasts an innovative design featuring a carbon fiber fuselage and 16 propellers driven by 16 motors. With a cruise speed of 62 mph (100 km/h) and a maximum altitude of approximately 10,000 feet (3,000 meters), it is engineered for passenger transport, accommodating two occupants. Equipped with an autonomous driving system, the EH216-S eliminates the need for human pilots, representing a revolutionary advancement in aerial mobility.
E Hang envisions diverse applications for the EH216-S, including air taxi services, aerial tourism, airport shuttles, and cross-island transportation, underscoring its versatility and potential impact on urban transportation infrastructure.
The CAAC’s approval of large-scale production for the EH216-S aligns with China’s ambitious Green Aviation Manufacturing Development Outline (2023-2035), aiming to establish pilot-operated eVTOL services by 2025 and fully autonomous operations by 2035. In contrast, the U.S.’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Implementation Plan targets commercial eVTOL flights by 2028, highlighting China’s potential to lead the way in eVTOL innovation and deployment.
With China poised to accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous flying taxis, the global landscape of urban air mobility stands on the brink of transformation, ushering in a new era of sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.
