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The EH216-S vehicle by EHang, an autonomous eVTOL intended for passenger transport, has received mass production authorization.
Credit: EHang
EHang has developed the EH216-S, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, which has been authorized for mass production by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This decision marks a significant step towards the commercialization of eVTOLs. Until now, numerous prototypes had been developed only for test flights.
The production certificate allows EHang to manufacture these "flying cars", covering raw material management, supply chain, quality control, testing, as well as post-sale maintenance and repairs, all verified through comprehensive reviews and inspections.
First announced in 2018, the EH216-S is a small, fully electric device with a carbon fiber body and 16 propellers powered by 16 engines. Capable of carrying two occupants, it features an automated piloting system that eliminates the need for a pilot. EHang has conducted numerous tests of the VTOL, with both manned and unmanned flights.
Credit: EHang
This model is not the company's first, succeeding the "passenger drone" EHang 184 launched in 2016. The company plans to use the EH216-S for aerial taxi services, aerial tourism, airport shuttles, and inter-island transport.
The large-scale production of the EH216-S represents an important milestone in achieving pilotless eVTOLs and similar devices. It is the first eVTOL to have obtained such certification, which could make China the first nation to offer flying taxis as a public service.
China's development plans for "green aviation" anticipate the introduction of piloted eVTOLs by 2025 and fully autonomous large-scale services by 2035, including establishing practical regulations and insurance plans for flying cars.
In comparison, the United States' implementation plan for advanced aerial mobility targets 2028 as the year when eVTOLs will fly commercially for the first time, with appropriate regulation and certification.