EHang, the pioneering Chinese flying taxi manufacturer, is making waves in the aviation market with its latest offering, the EH216-S electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle. The company has taken a bold step by listing the EH216-S for sale on Alibaba Group Holding’s Taobao marketplace, showcasing its commitment to innovation and accessibility in the burgeoning eVTOL sector.
Priced at 2.39 million yuan (US$332,000) per unit, the EH216-S is poised to revolutionize urban air mobility with its cutting-edge technology and exceptional performance. This move comes just weeks before EHang plans to introduce the autonomous passenger aircraft to international markets, following its successful launch in China.
EHang’s decision to sell the EH216-S on Taobao underscores its strategic partnership with Alibaba, highlighting the synergies between e-commerce and advanced aviation technologies. With Alibaba’s extensive reach and EHang’s groundbreaking eVTOL capabilities, the partnership is set to reshape the future of urban transportation.
The EH216-S has garnered significant attention since its debut, becoming the world’s first eVTOL to receive both a Type Certificate and Standard Airworthiness Certificate for pilotless aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This milestone has fueled strong market demand, prompting EHang to ramp up production and expand its global footprint.
EHang’s financial results reflect the growing interest in its innovative eVTOL solutions, with fourth-quarter revenue surging by 260.9% compared to the previous year. The company’s total revenue for 2023 reached 117.4 million yuan, marking a 165% increase from 2022, driven by a spike in orders for the EH216-series products.
The EH216-S boasts impressive specifications, including a top speed of 130 kilometers per hour, a cruising speed of 100 km/h, and a maximum altitude of 3,000 meters. With a range of 30 km and a flight time of 25 minutes, the two-passenger aircraft offers a convenient and efficient mode of transportation for urban commuters.
In addition to its performance capabilities, the EH216-S features 16 propellers, a 120-minute battery recharge time, and a maximum payload of 220 kilograms. The aircraft’s intelligent command-and-control systems, coupled with its autonomous flight capabilities and comprehensive safety features, make it an ideal choice for various urban air mobility applications.
EHang’s recent collaborations with local governments in China, including the municipal governments of Wuxi and Hefei, underscore the growing interest in eVTOLs as a key driver of the low-altitude economy. With an estimated contribution of between 3 trillion yuan and 5 trillion yuan to China’s economy by 2025, the low-altitude economy is poised for significant growth, propelled by the widespread adoption of eVTOLs and pilotless aerial vehicles.
As EHang continues to expand its presence in the global eVTOL market, the EH216-S stands out as a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability in urban air mobility.
(Source: SCMP | Travel and Tour World)
