Chinese eVTOL developer Ehang (NASDAQ: EH) recently achieved a significant milestone by completing the maiden flight of its EH216-S model in Shanghai. The flight took place at Longhua Airport in downtown Shanghai, near the Huangpu River, marking the beginning of regular trial runs for eVTOL sightseeing tours.
Ehang’s successful flight paves the way for the commercialization of air cab operations in Shanghai, signaling a major step forward in urban air mobility within the bustling Chinese megacity. The company delivered an EH216-S eVTOL to HYNFAR-UAM, a pioneering company specializing in eVTOL operations in Shanghai.
Collaborating with HYNFAR-UAM and other partners, Ehang will utilize Longhua Airport to explore various eVTOL scenarios, including manned transportation, travel, and tourism. This initiative aligns with China’s efforts to promote the development of a low-altitude economy by relaxing airspace regulations in recent years.
Shanghai, in particular, has outlined an action plan for low-altitude economic development, aiming to establish a comprehensive industrial system for research, development, manufacturing, and commercial application of new low-altitude aircraft by 2027. The city anticipates the low-altitude economy industry to surpass RMB 50 billion ($6.8 billion) by then, solidifying its position as a global leader in low-altitude economy innovation.
The EH216-S, priced at RMB 2.39 million, boasts impressive specs, including a maximum takeoff weight of 620 kilograms, a top speed of 130 kilometers per hour, and a flight range of 25 minutes. Ehang’s commitment to innovation was demonstrated when the EH216-S completed a 48-minute flight test with solid-state batteries, showcasing its endurance and reliability.
In the third quarter of 2024, Ehang achieved a record-high delivery volume of 63 units of the EH216 series, with a total of 138 units delivered throughout the year. The EH216 family comprises the EH216-S for passenger transportation, EH216-F for aerial firefighting, and EH216-L for aerial logistics, catering to various industry needs.
With Shanghai’s support and Ehang’s pioneering technology, the future of urban air mobility looks promising, heralding a new era of efficient and sustainable transportation solutions in megacities like Shanghai. Ehang’s successful maiden flight signifies a significant step towards realizing the full potential of eVTOL technology in transforming urban transportation.
