A Chinese aviation firm has launched what it calls the world’s first autonomous regional air mobility vehicle, marking a major step toward self-flying passenger travel.
EHang Holdings announced the debut of its VT35 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft — a pilotless vehicle designed to cover up to 100 miles on a single charge.
The company said in a news release that the model represents “the evolution of EHang’s long-range product line and a major milestone towards our advanced air mobility vision.”
The VT35 is an “upgraded lift-and-cruise model designed for medium- to long-range applications including intercity, cross-sea, and cross-mountain transportation,” with the vehicle reaching speeds of up to 134 miles per hour, per The New York Post.
Eight lift propellers enable the vehicle to take off and land vertically on parking lots, rooftops, or other compact sites.
The VT35 has a maximum takeoff weight of 950 kilograms — about 2,100 pounds — allowing two passengers and cargo to fit comfortably inside, according to the New York Post.
Additionally, a remote pilot can control temperature and navigation, while passengers can use a touchscreen device as both an entertainment hub and flight dashboard.
Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of EHang, said in the news release that the company is “dedicated to driving disruptive innovation in the urban air mobility industry,” with this development further showing that commitment.
“From R&D to design, we uphold the highest safety standards and lead the industry’s sustainable development. VT35, together with the urban-focused EH216-S, will form a comprehensive intelligent air mobility network connecting short- to mid-long-range scenarios,” he said. “Leveraging the EH216-S certification experience, we will expedite VT35’s airworthiness and commercialization processes.”
“As a pioneer in pilotless eVTOL technology, EHang is continuously optimizing aircraft performance and expanding applications to offer the public safer, smarter, and more accessible low-altitude transportation solutions for a greener, shared future in global civil aviation.”
There is currently no timeline for when this vehicle will be made available to those across the world, but the current price for this model is set at $913,000, per Fox Business.
Industry observers say autonomous air taxis could redefine travel, though regulatory and infrastructure hurdles remain a challenge outside of China.
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian recently discussed the potential of air taxis as a form of travel, noting they may appear “in the next couple of years” and have a chance to become one of the most common forms of transportation, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.