Revolutionary Air Taxi Takes Flight, Setting New Standards
Originally Published 2 years ago — by New York Post
China-based company Ehang has become the first to receive airworthiness certification for its fully autonomous, electric-powered air taxis. The EH216-S air taxis are electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that can carry up to two passengers or 600 pounds of cargo. They can fly at speeds of up to 80 mph and distances of up to 18 miles, and are controlled by a centralized command center. The air taxis do not require traditional infrastructure and can take off and land vertically from any flat surface. Ehang conducted over 40,000 test flights and underwent a rigorous evaluation process to obtain certification. The air taxis have various applications for urban air mobility, including transportation, delivery, and emergency services. However, challenges remain in terms of regulation, technology, market demand, and social acceptance.