Autonomous flying taxis could soon be a reality after Chinese vehicle manufacturer EHang obtained the world’s first production certificate to manufacture them in China.
EHang’s EH216-S “passenger-carrying pilotless” electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle received clearance to be mass-produced from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), company representatives announced in a statement on April 7.
Many companies manufacture eVTOLs, but they have so far only been developed as prototypes for test flights. This decision represents a notable step towards introducing eVTOLs commercially. “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,” Huazhi Hu, CEO of EHang, said in the statement.
The production certificate gives EHang the go-ahead to manufacture flying cars, encompassing the sourcing of raw materials, supply chain management, quality control and testing, in addition to after-sales repair and maintenance — all verified by comprehensive reviews and inspections.
EHang, a Chinese vehicle manufacturer, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by obtaining the world’s first production certificate to manufacture autonomous flying taxis in China. This achievement marks a significant step towards making autonomous air travel a reality and revolutionizing the future of transportation.
The EH216-S, a fully-electric VTOL craft with a carbon fiber fuselage and 16 propellers powered by 16 motors, is designed for passenger transport. It has a cruise speed of 62 mph (100 km/h) and a maximum altitude of around 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). With an autonomic driving system that eliminates the need for a pilot, the EH216-S has been extensively tested, including both crewed and uncrewed flights.
EHang envisions the EH216-S being used for various purposes, such as air taxi services, aerial tourism, airport shuttles, and cross-island transportation. This achievement sets the stage for China to become the first nation to offer flying taxi services to the public, pending further regulatory approvals and operational developments.