Chinese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developer Ehang has recently achieved a significant milestone in its journey towards commercialization and large-scale application of low-altitude manned flight services. The company has received operating licenses for its EH216-S aerial vehicle, marking the official start of manned flight operations in China’s low-altitude economy.
Ehang’s subsidiary Guangdong EHang General Aviation and joint venture company Hefei HeYi Aviation have been granted Air Operator Certificates for civil human-carrying pilotless aerial vehicles by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This regulatory approval allows Ehang to offer paid commercial flight services to Chinese consumers at designated operating locations in Guangzhou and Hefei.
With this green light from the authorities, consumers can now purchase tickets for low-altitude tourism, city tours, and various commercial manned flight services at Ehang’s operational sites. The company plans to gradually expand its operations to include urban commuting services in the future, based on legal and compliant operational conditions.
Ehang’s EH216-S eVTOL has become the world’s first electric aircraft company to receive a full set of regulatory certifications, paving the way for the industry’s growth and development. The aircraft, priced at RMB 2.39 million ($330,000), relies on power batteries for flight energy and has a maximum takeoff weight of 650 kilograms.
In a recent flight test, the EH216-S equipped with solid-state batteries achieved a flight duration of 48 minutes and 10 seconds, showcasing the potential of next-generation battery technology in eVTOL operations. Ehang has been making steady progress in obtaining key certifications, including the Type Certificate, Airworthiness Certificate, and Production Certificate for the EH216-S.
Looking ahead, Ehang aims to achieve certification and mass production use of solid-state batteries in the EH216-S eVTOL by the end of 2025. This latest development underscores Ehang’s commitment to innovation and safety in the rapidly evolving field of electric aviation.
Overall, Ehang’s success in obtaining regulatory approvals for its EH216-S eVTOL marks a significant milestone in the commercialization of low-altitude manned flight services in China. As the company continues to expand its operations and technology capabilities, the future of urban air mobility looks promising and full of possibilities.
