In an unprecedented move, EHang, the Chinese maker of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, has revealed the debut of its EH216-S flying taxi on Alibaba's online retail platform, the Taobao marketplace. Priced at 2.39 million yuan (US$332,000), the EH216-S is positioned to transform urban transportation and represent a significant milestone in the age of autonomous passenger-carrying aircraft.
EHang's EH216-S has attracted considerable attention and praise, having completed more than 42,000 successful test flights in over 14 nations. Notably, it attained the distinction of being the world's first recipient of a Type Certificate and Standard Airworthiness Certificate for unmanned eVTOLs from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), emphasizing its safety and dependability.
EHang's Strategic Expansion
The debut of the EH216-S on Taobao indicates EHang's strategic maneuver to enter the growing market for urban air mobility solutions. Priced at US$410,000 for international buyers, with sales set to kick off on April 1st, EHang is positioning itself for global reach.
Confidence in EH216-S
Hu Huazhi, the Founder, Chairman, and CEO of EHang, has expressed strong belief in the EH216-S, emphasizing the transformative impact of securing airworthiness certification. This accomplishment has spurred a surge in demand and driven revenue growth, with fourth-quarter earnings skyrocketing by 260.9% compared to the same period in 2022.
Key Features and Applications
Key specifications of the EH216-S encompass a top speed of 130 kilometers per hour, a cruising speed of 100 kilometers per hour, and a maximum altitude of 3,000 meters. Boasting a range of 30 kilometers, a flight duration of 25 minutes, and a recharge time of 120 minutes, the EH216-S offers unmatched efficiency and convenience for urban travelers.
EHang envisions a myriad of applications for the EH216-S, spanning from air taxi services and aerial tourism to airport shuttles and cross-island transit. The company has forged strategic alliances with various city governments to fortify the growth of low-altitude economic ecosystems.
The commercial launch of flying taxis on Taobao signals a new era of accessible urban air mobility, in line with China's strategic outlook for emerging industries. With approximately 20 provinces prioritizing the advancement of the low-altitude economy, EHang's EH216-S now stands at the vanguard of innovation, primed to redefine the future of transportation.
