China's EH216-S now the world's first certified self-flying air taxi

EHang has received an official type certificate from China's Civil Aviation Administration for its autonomous passenger eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing). This marks the first such certification not only in China but also globally, opening doors for self-flying taxis everywhere.

China already features autonomous robotaxis on some of its public roads and is soon to introduce unmanned electric aircraft in its skies. EHang surpassed other eVTOL companies in achieving official approval.

In contrast, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) still mandates that autonomous air taxis carry a pilot for safety, as per the most recent guidelines released this summer. However, China's Civil Aviation Administration has given EHang the go-ahead for fully autonomous flight.

There's no confirmed location yet for EHang's initial commercial services, but the company has forged partnerships with multiple aviation operators over recent years, both domestically and internationally.

Major collaborators include Xiyu Tourism, planning to introduce more than 100 EHang air taxis for low-altitude tourism within the next five years. Overseas partners like Japan AirX, Aerotree in Malaysia, and Prestige in Indonesia have collectively placed orders for over 1,000 units.

EHang's EH216-S secured its Chinese certification in under three years. The company first submitted its type certification application in early 2021. Its history of autonomous test flights goes back to 2017, with EHang reporting more than 40,000 test flights. The rigorous certification process included checks across 65 key areas. In 2022, the firm completed demonstration flights in four Japanese cities.

This achievement not only sets the stage for commercial autonomous flights but also establishes a model for similar certifications worldwide. EHang describes the Special Conditions for the EH216-S UAV System, issued by China's aviation authority last year, as "a rigorous and scientific regulatory framework," marking it as a groundbreaking move on a global scale.

EHang is currently deciding where to launch its autonomous air taxis and aims to expand internationally as early as next year.

In 2022, the EH216-S became the first vehicle of its kind to be adopted by a European security agency. The Spanish National Police added the Chinese eVTOL to their lineup as a "an alternative technological asset for multiple purposes."

EHang's certified air taxi is a two-seater electric aircraft designed for short trips. It features 16 electric motors and can reach maximum speeds of 130 km/h (80 mph), with a range of 30 km (18.6 miles) on a single charge.

The EH216-S is also scheduled to make an appearance at the upcoming World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

Source: Autoevolution