Photo: EHang
The Chinese eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) maker EHang marks another critical milestone. It's one of the first in the industry on a global level to release the official pricing for its flagship electric aircraft.
It's been years of hearing about all the great qualities of the EHang pilotless air taxi and its trailblazing industry potential. Now, it was finally time to find out what the cost was for all that. The manufacturer announced that its eVTOLs will be available commercially for RMB 2.39 million ($330,000) per unit.
That's considerably more affordable compared to the pricing that was previously speculated, but there's a catch. This price specifically refers to the domestic Chinese market, where the EHang air taxi is currently available. In other words, it's supposed to be compatible with the country's current production capabilities and the estimated market demand. Even so, it's surprising to see a pilotless, all-electric passenger-carrying air taxi be available for less than $350,000.
EHang doesn't shy away from industry firsts. Last year, it truly broke the norm when its aircraft became the world's first certified pilot-free passenger-carrying eVTOL. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) granted it the Type Certificate (TC) in October, followed by the Standard Airworthiness Certificate (AC) only a couple of months later. The Chinese manufacturer also managed to deliver the first units to their customers before the end of 2023.
Being pilotless is what sets apart the EH216-S from similar eVTOLs, and it's also what made its certification a huge step for the AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) industry overall. Initially, this self-flying air taxi will operate primarily in the field of aerial sightseeing. The Shenzen municipality, which is one of China's top cities in terms of AAM operations, will soon house a pioneering center dedicated to EH216-S operations.
The center will be built in the Luohu Sports and Leisure Park (in the Luohu District), which was selected as one of the best locations for aerial tourism based on pilotless flights. This hub itself is one of the first of its kind in the world, hinting at a future when passenger-carrying zero-emission flights will become the norm.
The EH216-S is a two-seat eVTOL designed for short-distance, emission-free travel. Unlike its piloted counterparts, the EH216-S can only promise a short range of no more than 30 km (18.6 miles) and a maximum speed of 130 kph (80 mph). In addition to leisure and tourism operations, the versatile electric aircraft was also selected for police work. The Spanish National Police became the first of its kind in the European Union to add an eVTOL to its fleet.
Aerial tourism operations aboard the autonomous EHang air taxi are set to kick off at the new AAM hub in Luohu as soon as next year.
That's considerably more affordable compared to the pricing that was previously speculated, but there's a catch. This price specifically refers to the domestic Chinese market, where the EHang air taxi is currently available. In other words, it's supposed to be compatible with the country's current production capabilities and the estimated market demand. Even so, it's surprising to see a pilotless, all-electric passenger-carrying air taxi be available for less than $350,000.
EHang doesn't shy away from industry firsts. Last year, it truly broke the norm when its aircraft became the world's first certified pilot-free passenger-carrying eVTOL. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) granted it the Type Certificate (TC) in October, followed by the Standard Airworthiness Certificate (AC) only a couple of months later. The Chinese manufacturer also managed to deliver the first units to their customers before the end of 2023.
Being pilotless is what sets apart the EH216-S from similar eVTOLs, and it's also what made its certification a huge step for the AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) industry overall. Initially, this self-flying air taxi will operate primarily in the field of aerial sightseeing. The Shenzen municipality, which is one of China's top cities in terms of AAM operations, will soon house a pioneering center dedicated to EH216-S operations.
The center will be built in the Luohu Sports and Leisure Park (in the Luohu District), which was selected as one of the best locations for aerial tourism based on pilotless flights. This hub itself is one of the first of its kind in the world, hinting at a future when passenger-carrying zero-emission flights will become the norm.
The EH216-S is a two-seat eVTOL designed for short-distance, emission-free travel. Unlike its piloted counterparts, the EH216-S can only promise a short range of no more than 30 km (18.6 miles) and a maximum speed of 130 kph (80 mph). In addition to leisure and tourism operations, the versatile electric aircraft was also selected for police work. The Spanish National Police became the first of its kind in the European Union to add an eVTOL to its fleet.
Aerial tourism operations aboard the autonomous EHang air taxi are set to kick off at the new AAM hub in Luohu as soon as next year.
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