Autonomous air taxis might soon become a reality as vehicle maker EHang secured the world's inaugural production permit to craft them in China.
EHang's EH216-S "pilotless passenger-carrying" electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) craft obtained authorization for large-scale manufacturing from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), as per company announcements on April 7.
Several firms produce eVTOLs, yet thus far, they've solely existed as experimental models for trial flights. This move signifies a significant stride towards integrating eVTOLs into commercial use.
"Our goal is to introduce dependable and safe pilotless eVTOL aircraft to the global market, thereby providing secure, automated, and environmentally friendly air travel services for all," remarked Huazhi Hu, EHang's CEO, in the announcement.
The production license grants EHang permission to fabricate aerial vehicles, covering the procurement of raw materials, overseeing the supply chain, maintaining quality standards and assessments, as well as conducting post-sales servicing and upkeep — all subject to rigorous evaluations and examinations.
Taking to the skies
Initially introduced in 2018, the EHang EH216-S stands as a compact, entirely electric VTOL vehicle boasting a carbon fiber body and 16 propellers driven by 16 motors. It boasts a cruising velocity of 62 mph (100 km/h) and a peak altitude of approximately 10,000 feet (3,000 meters).
Tailored for passenger conveyance, it accommodates two occupants and integrates an autonomous navigation system that eliminates the necessity for a human pilot. EHang affirms the VTOL has undergone numerous trials involving both manned and unmanned flights. Preceding this model is the EHang 184 "passenger drone," introduced in 2016.
The company aspires for the EHang EH216-S to serve in various domains such as air taxi operations, aerial sightseeing, airport transfers, and inter-island transportation.
The commencement of large-scale production for the EH216-S marks a significant milestone in materializing unmanned eVTOLs and akin aircraft. It emerges as the premier eVTOL to secure such accreditation, potentially positioning China as the pioneer in establishing flying taxi services accessible to the public.
Although the EH216-S has obtained clearance for mass manufacturing, the CAAC unveiled the Green Aviation Manufacturing Development Outline (2023-2035) in October 2023, outlining strategies for introducing a human-piloted eVTOL by 2025 and fully autonomous operations on a grand scale by 2035, encompassing the imperative to devise practical regulatory frameworks and insurance schemes for aerial vehicles.
In contrast, the U.S.'s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Implementation Plan sets 2028 as the target year for the inaugural commercial flights of eVTOLs, alongside the implementation of suitable regulations and certifications ensuring their safe production and utilization.
Given these factors, China could potentially outpace the U.S. in terms of deploying — or at least trialing — eVTOLs on a commercial scale.
