EHang Delivers First Batch of EH216-S eVTOL Aircraft and Completes Debut Passenger-Carrying Flights in Taiyuan
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GUANGZHOU, China, July 29, 2024 – EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH), a leader in urban air mobility (UAM) technology, announced the delivery of the first batch of 10 EH216-S pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to Taiyuan Xishan Ecological Tourism Investment Construction Co., Ltd. (Xishan Tourism). The delivery was completed, and the debut passenger-carrying flights took place in Taiyuan, Shanxi, on July 28, 2024.
The inaugural flight ceremony occurred at Paddy Field Park in Taiyuan and was attended by government officials, experts, and enterprise representatives. Two EH216-S simultaneously took off with four passengers onboard, showcasing the aircraft's autonomous flying, cluster management, and safe and stable operations. EHang also displayed its VT-30 long-range pilotless passenger eVTOL, the EH216-F for firefighting, and the EH216-L for logistics.
Ehang VT-30 long-range pilotless passenger eVTOL
Ehang EH216-F for firefighting
Ehang EH216-L for logisticsThe EHang EH216-S is a pioneering eVTOL aircraft designed for urban air mobility. Here are its key features:
The EH216-S offers complete autonomy, a significant differentiator compared to the semi-autonomous Volocopter VoloCity and Joby Aviation S4. This feature positions the EH216-S uniquely for applications requiring unmanned operations, such as air taxi services and emergency response.
- Autonomous Operation: The EH216-S is fully autonomous, eliminating the need for a pilot and enhancing safety and efficiency in urban environments.
- Electric Multicopter Design: It features 16 independent rotors and motors, providing redundancy and stability.
- Passenger Capacity: The aircraft can carry two passenger
- Performance: It has a maximum speed of 130 km/h and a range of up to 35 kilometers, making it suitable for short-range city commutes.
- Battery System: The EH216-S uses 12 lithium-ion battery packs and requires approximately one hour to fully charge.
- Safety and Certification: It is the first eVTOL to receive a type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), ensuring compliance with rigorous safety and airworthiness standards.
EHang EH216-S
Comparison with Other eVTOLs
The EH216-S stands out in the eVTOL market for several reasons:| Feature | EHang EH216-S | Volocopter VoloCity | Joby Aviation S4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operation | Fully autonomous | Semi-autonomous | Semi-autonomous |
| Passenger Capacity | 2 passengers | 2 passengers | 4 passengers |
| Range | 35 km | 32 km | 240 km |
| Max Speed | 130 km/h | 110 km/h | 320 km/h |
| Certification | CAAC Type Certificate | EASA certification in progress | FAA certification in progress |
| Use Cases | Air taxi, emergency response, logistics | Urban air mobility, sightseeing | Air taxi, regional transport |
Shanxi Province's Low-Altitude Economy Development
Shanxi Province, a national demonstration province for the general aviation industry, issued measures in May 2024 to accelerate the development of the low-altitude economy. These measures facilitate regular low-altitude flights, subsidize short-range logistics and low-altitude tourism, and accelerate the development of general aviation infrastructure and operational service capabilities.
Jicheng Yang, Executive Vice Mayor of Taiyuan, emphasized the city's commitment to enhancing policy support, essential guarantees, and innovation capabilities to promote the deep integration of technological innovation and the low-altitude economy.
Economic Impacts of Low-Altitude Tourism in Taiyuan
The development of low-altitude tourism in Taiyuan, facilitated by the deployment of EH216-S eVTOLs, has several potential economic impacts:- Tourism Revenue: Introducing aerial sightseeing routes and low-altitude tourism projects is expected to attract tourists and generate significant revenue for the local economy.
- Job Creation: Establishing flight camps, landing pads, and other infrastructure will create jobs in construction, maintenance, and tourism services.
- Logistics and Emergency Services: Using eVTOLs for logistics and emergency services can improve efficiency and reduce costs, benefiting local businesses and public services.
- Innovation and Investment: Taiyuan's status as a national civil unmanned aerial vehicle test zone hubs innovation and investment in advanced air mobility technologies.
Xishan Tourism's Partnership with EHang
In May 2024, Xishan Tourism signed a memorandum of understanding and a purchase order for 50 units of EH216-S, with plans to acquire an additional 450 units over the next two years. The delivered aircraft will be deployed for local low-altitude sightseeing and tourism services.
*Yaozong Chang, Chairman of Xishan Tourism*, stated their plans to collaborate with EHang on establishing multiple flight camps, landing pads, and low-altitude sightseeing routes within Taiyuan and nearby scenic areas.
EHang's Progress and Vision
Zhao Wang, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, highlighted the company's progress in obtaining the world's first type certificate, production certificate, and standard airworthiness certificate for passenger-carrying pilotless eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. EHang has been delivering EH216-S aircraft to various locations and assisting local partners in obtaining Air Operator Certificates.