China’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years, with the China Low Altitude Economic Alliance predicting that by 2030, there could be 100,000 eVTOLs in households or serving as air cabs. This prediction comes as the low-altitude economy gains traction as a hot topic in the industry.
According to a report released by the China Low Altitude Economic Alliance at the Global Low Altitude Economy Forum annual conference, major cities in China are expected to have their air traffic networks and ground flight service facilities largely completed within the next two to three years. This development will pave the way for the commercialization of eVTOLs on a large scale.
The report also highlights that the price of eVTOLs is expected to decrease gradually, with a four- or five-seat eVTOL projected to cost between RMB 2 million to RMB 3 million by 2030, down from the current RMB 10 million level. Advancements in technologies such as artificial intelligence and human-machine interaction will also drive the widespread use of unmanned technologies on aerial vehicles in the future.
Unmanned aircraft are expected to play a significant role across various industries, including logistics, agriculture, emergency rescue, urban management, power patrol, and travel and tourism. This shift towards unmanned technologies signals a new era of innovation and efficiency in the aviation sector.
Luo Jun, executive director of the China Low Altitude Economic Alliance, emphasized that China is currently experiencing a golden decade of opportunity in the low-altitude economy, which is a unique economic business model for developing countries. By 2030, the size of China’s low-altitude economy is expected to exceed RMB 3 trillion, with the drone industry alone projected to surpass RMB 1 trillion.
The China Low Altitude Economic Alliance, established in 2024 in Beijing, comprises over 100 companies and research institutes, including industry players such as Ehang, Autoflight, and Geely’s Aerofugia Technology. With China gradually opening up its low-altitude airspace in recent years, the eVTOL industry has seen rapid growth, with companies like Ehang making significant strides in the market.
For instance, Ehang, the only publicly traded company in the eVTOL sector, has already delivered nearly 300 EH216-S eVTOLs. In addition, Xpeng Aeroht, the flying car subsidiary of Xpeng, has commenced the construction of its flying car manufacturing site with plans for mass production and delivery by 2026.
As the industry continues to evolve, collaborations and investments are becoming increasingly common. For example, CATL recently signed an agreement with Autoflight to invest hundreds of millions of dollars exclusively in the eVTOL maker as a strategic investor.
Overall, the future looks promising for China’s eVTOL industry, with technological advancements, market growth, and strategic partnerships driving innovation and reshaping the aviation landscape.
