According to Reuters, Chinese drone manufacturer EHang Holdings has starter the sale of its EH216-S model flying taxi on Taobao, priced at 2.39 million yuan ($332,060).
EH216-S during a test flight. Image credit: EHang
The company received safety approval certification from China’s aviation authority in October last year. This development then marked a significant milestone in its journey towards commercial deployment.
EHang Holdings, headquartered in Guangzhou, previously obtained “type certificate” from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its 216-S model.
The EH216-S is equipped with 16 rotors and has the capacity to accommodate two passengers, boasting speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour and a maximum range of 30 kilometers.
Why flying taxis are based on drone tech?
Flying taxis are indeed based on drone technology.
Firstly, they utilize vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities, enabling them to operate in urban areas without the need for traditional runways.
Additionally, flying taxis often incorporate electric propulsion systems, offering reduced noise levels, lower emissions, and increased efficiency compared to conventional engines.
Also, drone technology integrates advanced autonomous flight control systems, including GPS navigation and obstacle avoidance sensors, allowing flying taxis to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously. This enhances safety and reduces the reliance on human piloting skills.
Furthermore, drones are typically compact and lightweight, making them well-suited for navigating tight spaces and congested airspace in urban environments.
The scalability and cost-effectiveness of drone technology also make it an attractive choice for flying taxis. It allows for the development of taxis in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different passenger capacities and mission requirements.
The use of drone technology lowers operating costs compared to traditional aircraft, which makes flying taxis a more economically viable transportation solution.
Written by Vytautas Valinskas