Chinese eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) manufacturer EHang made headlines recently as it conducted its first passenger demonstration flight in Abu Dhabi. The EH216-S, a pilotless electric aerial vehicle (EAV), took to the skies with Mohamed Al Dhaheri, a board member of Multi Level Group (MLG) and EHang strategic partner, as the sole passenger.
This milestone flight followed previous demonstrations of the EH216-S at the DriftX mobility expo in Abu Dhabi, where the vehicle was showcased without passengers. EHang’s founder, CEO, and chairman, Huazhi Hu, expressed enthusiasm about the progress made, highlighting plans to collaborate closely with aviation authorities to expedite the path toward commercial flights of their pilotless aircraft in the UAE.
In a bid to bolster its presence in Abu Dhabi’s Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries Cluster, EHang has formed partnerships with Wings Logistics Hub, a passenger eVTOL subsidiary of Technology Holding Company, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) for EAV development in the region.
Furthermore, EHang has joined forces with Greater Bay Technology (GBT) to develop very high-speed battery charging systems for flying vehicles. The collaboration aims to create the world’s first Ultra-Fast Charging (UFC) system for EHang’s EAV, with charging times expected to take fewer than 10 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%.
Recently, EHang received governmental approval to mass-produce its passenger-carrying, pilotless vehicles. The EH216-S EAV received the Production Certificate (PC) from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), paving the way for mass production. This certification marks a significant milestone for the company, as it is the first of its kind globally for an EAV.
In addition to developments in Abu Dhabi, EHang has been actively showcasing its technology worldwide. Demonstrations in Latin America, where the EAV was flown at the Reserva Conchal Resort in Costa Rica, and in China, where a group of 12 EAVs flew together in Hefei, demonstrate the company’s commitment to advancing air mobility on a global scale.
As EHang continues to push the boundaries of aerial innovation, its pioneering efforts in the eVTOL sector are poised to reshape the future of urban air transportation, ushering in a new era of sustainable and efficient mobility.
