In a groundbreaking move, EHang, the Chinese manufacturer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, has announced the launch of its EH216-S flying taxi on Alibaba’s online shopping platform, the Taobao marketplace. With a price tag of 2.39 million yuan (US$332,000), the EH216-S is set to revolutionize urban transportation and mark a significant milestone in the era of autonomous passenger-carrying aircraft.
EHang’s EH216-S has garnered immense attention and acclaim, having completed over 42,000 successful test flights across more than 14 countries. Notably, it became the world’s first recipient of a Type Certificate and Standard Airworthiness Certificate for pilotless eVTOLs from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), underscoring its safety and reliability.
The introduction of the EH216-S on Taobao signifies EHang’s strategic move to tap into the burgeoning market for urban air mobility solutions. With a suggested retail price of US$410,000 for international buyers, slated to commence on April 1st, EHang is poised for global expansion.
Hu Huazhi, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of EHang, expressed profound confidence in the EH216-S, highlighting the transformative impact of receiving airworthiness certification. This achievement has fueled a surge in demand and propelled revenue growth, with fourth-quarter earnings soaring by 260.9% compared to the same period in 2022.
Key specifications of the EH216-S include a top speed of 130 kilometers per hour, a cruising speed of 100 kilometers per hour, and a maximum altitude of 3,000 meters. With a range of 30 kilometers and a flight time of 25 minutes, coupled with a recharge time of 120 minutes, the EH216-S promises unparalleled efficiency and convenience for urban commuters.
EHang envisions diverse applications for the EH216-S, ranging from air taxi services and aerial tourism to airport shuttles and cross-island transport. The company has inked strategic partnerships with various municipal governments, to bolster the development of low-altitude economy ecosystems.
The commercialization of flying taxis on Taobao heralds a new era of accessible urban air mobility, aligning with China’s strategic vision for emerging industries. With about 20 provinces prioritizing the development of the low-altitude economy, EHang’s EH216-S is now standing at the forefront of innovation, poised to reshape the future of transportation.
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