New eVTOL aircraft prototypes feature advanced solid-state battery technology

In an exciting development for the burgeoning air taxi industry, Chinese air taxi company EHang has announced a new joint venture with JAC Motors and Guoxian Holdings.

This partnership aims to fund the construction of a production facility for EHang’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Hefei, the capital city of Anhui province, China.

This venture seeks to leverage Hefei’s existing production supply chains and innovate manufacturing technology for new aircraft, ultimately promoting standardized industry practices in the air taxi space.

EHang also showcased its ability to operate an additional 12 drones

As part of this collaboration, EHang has successfully marked a significant milestone by completing the first-ever unmanned eVTOL flight in an urban environment, successfully testing the EH216-S aircraft in Benidorm, Spain.

This achievement not only establishes EHang as a leader in the eVTOL sector but also satisfies European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations through meticulous planning and coordination with Spain’s air navigation provider, Enaire.

During these tests, EHang also showcased its ability to operate an additional 12 drones alongside the EH216-S, demonstrating its advanced capabilities in coordinated drone operations.

The strategic partnership between EHang and JAC Motors, known for its long-standing expertise in the automotive industry, aims to harness high-quality resources to drive the growth of low-altitude economic sectors. Remarkably, EHang’s prototypes for eVTOL aircraft are equipped with solid-state battery technology—a development that could drastically shorten the timeline for the widespread adoption of air taxis.

In addition, the establishment of two eVTOL vertiports in Hefei, a result of their cooperation with the Hefei municipal government, underscores the potential for urban air mobility to revolutionize transportation in China.

With all the recent advancements and partnerships, it appears that the future of air mobility may be closer than anticipated, signaling a significant shift in how cities might approach urban transportation.