China Green-Lights Mass Production of Autonomous Flying Taxis

EHang, a vehicle maker, got the first-ever production certificate in China to produce self-flying taxis. These taxis are called EH216-S. They don’t need a pilot and can carry passengers. They can take off and land vertically, and they run on electricity.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) gave the green light for EHang to make these taxis in large numbers. The news came out on April 7th in a statement from the company.

While many companies make eVTOLs, they’ve mostly served as test models for trial flights. However, now, EHang’s move is a big step toward bringing eVTOLs into regular use.

Huazhi Hu, the CEO of EHang, shared in the statement, “Our vision is to introduce safe and reliable pilotless eVTOL aircraft to the global market, thereby offering safe, autonomous and eco-friendly air mobility services to everyone.”

With the production certificate, EHang can now make flying cars. This includes getting raw materials, managing the supply chain, checking quality, and performing tests. They’re also responsible for fixing and maintaining the cars after they’ve been sold. These steps are all thoroughly verified through reviews and inspections, as reported by “Live Science.”

EH216-S can fly at 10,000 feet with a speed of 62 mph

EHang introduced the EH216-S in 2018. It is a small electric craft that can take off and land vertically (VTOL). This flying taxi has a body made of carbon fiber and runs on sixteen motors connected to sixteen propellers. It can cruise at 62 mph (100 km/h) and fly as high as 10,000 feet (3,000 meters).

Made for carrying passengers, it can accommodate two people. It’s equipped with a self-driving system, so there’s no need for a pilot.

WATCH: In Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪 Type Certificated @EHANG EH216-S flying wows the crowd$EH pilotless passenger #eVTOL aircraft flying autonomously in the UAE pic.twitter.com/ZvtYC4LYa6

— EHANG BIRDS (@ehangbirds) April 25, 2024

EHang says they’ve tested this VTOL many times with and without people on board. Before the EH216-S, EHang had another model known as the EHang 184, which they introduced in 2016, according to “Live Science.”

EHang intends the EH216-S to serve various purposes, including being used as air taxis, sightseeing flights, shuttles to airports, and travel between islands.

Getting approval for mass production of the EH216-S is a significant step in making unmanned eVTOLs and similar aircraft a part of everyday life. This certification makes the EH216-S the first of its kind. It could also make China the pioneer in offering flying taxi services to the public.

Although the EH216-S is cleared for mass production, the CAAC released the Green Aviation Manufacturing Development Outline (2023-2035) in October 2023. This document gives directions for getting a pilot-operated eVTOL flying by 2025 and having fully autonomous services widely available by 2035.

It emphasizes the importance of creating practical rules and insurance plans for flying cars, according to “Live Science.”