EHang predicts flying taxis will launch in China by 2030

Chinese drone manufacturer EHang anticipates that electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will become integrated into China's public transportation system by 2030.

"We believe China will establish scheduled air shuttle services on fixed routes by 2030. Cities with well-developed infrastructure, including supporting takeoff and landing hubs, may pioneer air taxi operations," stated Richard Yang, Chief Financial Officer of EHang, during an exclusive interview on May 21.

The Nasdaq-listed company, alongside its partner Hefei Heyi Aviation, secured the world’s first airworthiness certificate for a manned autonomous aerial vehicle from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in March. Yang revealed that EHang is currently conducting trial flight data collection and analysis in Guangzhou and Hefei, with plans to launch commercial operations in designated zones of these cities by late 2025. Its certified EH216-S aircraft, capable of carrying two passengers at speeds up to 130 km/h over a 30-kilometer range, is now listed on Taobao for 2.39 million yuan ($331,000).

Yang emphasized strong interest in EHang’s services across Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, and Latin American markets. Following its maiden Bangkok flight in November 2023, the company is negotiating operational permissions in designated areas with Thai aviation authorities. Domestically, automotive giants such as FAW Group, Geely Auto, and XPeng have entered the low-altitude economy sector. "This trillion-yuan market cannot be dominated by a single player, but we are confident in maintaining our leadership," Yang asserted.

EHang has accelerated strategic moves: signing a collaboration agreement with Changan Auto in late 2023 for joint R&D, manufacturing, and operational ventures; preparing to launch an upgraded VT-35 long-range aircraft this quarter targeting intercity, cross-bay, and mountainous routes; and introducing two power solutions co-developed with leading domestic battery manufacturers (unnamed) later this year. The company aims to scale its annual production capacity from 300 units to 1,000 units by year-end.