Chinese urban air mobility firm EHang has announced the suggested retail price for its EH216-S passenger-carrying unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system in China.
The Guangzhou-based firm believes that given the market potential and substantial industry scale of China’s low-altitude economy, coupled with the global trend of rapid growth in low-altitude aerial services, the pricing of RMB2.39 million (about 338,000 US dollars) per unit, effective from April 1, 2024, will cater more effectively to the market needs and further enhance the value of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) and urban air mobility (UAM).
The EH 216-S is an unpiloted eVTOL aircraft designed to carry two passengers over a distance of up to 30 km (18.6 miles) at a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph). It uses 16 propellers that are coaxially mounted in pairs to achieve lift and propulsion.
On December 28, 2023, the EH216-S passenger-carrying UAV successfully completed its commercial flight demonstrations in Guangzhou and Hefei. This innovative aircraft system received its Type Certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on October 13, 2023. Also, the aircraft earned its Standard Airworthiness Certificate in December, allowing it to be delivered to corporate clients for low-altitude sightseeing and urban tourism.
As the first pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft system to obtain a standard airworthiness certificate, the EH216-S has been highly recognized for its safety, innovation, and applicability. It will be utilized to provide commercial services in various scenarios, including low-altitude sightseeing and urban tourism, and its presence will continue to expand in different operational scenarios.
“The low-altitude economy and its related industries present a significant market opportunity for our UAM development and serve as a new engine for future economic growth in China,” said Mr. Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of EHang. “We remain committed to safety in aircraft research, production, operation, and commercial services, which ensures that each of our pilotless aircraft continues to lead in innovation. We look forward to collaborating with more global partners, offering consumers a novel experience of safe, autonomous, and eco-friendly air mobility. Our aim is to make pilotless aerial vehicles a common part of everyday life, bringing its benefits to a broader public.”
