Future mobility technologies are no longer limited to roads. Governments, startups, and major companies worldwide are heavily investing in the development of air taxis — autonomous aerial vehicles capable of transporting passengers over cities while avoiding ground traffic congestion. China, as one of the global leaders in innovation and transportation, is actively advancing in this field and has ambitious plans to dominate the urban air mobility market.
Who in China Is Developing Air Taxis
One of the most prominent Chinese startups in the air taxi sector is EHang.
- EHang specializes in developing autonomous eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft.
- Their flagship model — EHang 216 — is a two-seater drone capable of fully autonomous flight without a pilot.
- EHang has already conducted hundreds of test flights in various Chinese cities and internationally.
In addition to EHang, companies like XPeng AeroHT (a subsidiary of XPeng Motors) are also working on their own flying car concepts.
Why China Is Actively Investing in Air Mobility
1. Urban Overpopulation
In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, road traffic congestion is a critical problem. Shifting some transportation into the air is seen as a solution to ease infrastructure overload.
2. Technological Leadership
China aims to lead not only in automotive production but also in pioneering new transportation models. Investment in eVTOL technology is part of the national innovation strategy.
3. Environmental Goals
Most air taxi developments focus on electric propulsion, supporting China’s broader goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting green transportation solutions.
Key Features of Chinese Air Taxis
- Full Autonomy: Most models are designed for autonomous, pilotless operation.
- Electric Propulsion: Eco-friendly transport with zero emissions.
- Short-Distance Routes: Primarily designed for urban trips of 30–50 km.
- Compact Design: Small footprint for landing on rooftops, parking structures, or specialized vertiports.
Achievements So Far
- Between 2020 and 2023, EHang successfully completed public flight demonstrations in China, South Korea, the UAE, and Europe.
- China is actively testing infrastructure solutions such as drone landing platforms and automated urban air traffic management systems.
- EHang was the first company to submit an application for commercial air taxi certification with Chinese aviation regulators.
Challenges and Prospects
Challenges:
- Regulation: Legislation lags behind technology development. New safety standards for urban aerial operations need to be established.
- Public Safety Perception: Convincing the public of the safety and reliability of air taxis remains a key hurdle.
- Infrastructure Development: Significant investments are needed to build vertiports and urban air traffic control systems.
Prospects:
- Analysts predict that the global urban air mobility market could reach hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming decades.
- China has the potential not only to produce air taxis but also to lead in the operation and service provision of urban air mobility.
How We Can Help You Work with China’s Aviation Technologies
Our team in China offers:
- Sourcing and verification of eVTOL manufacturers;
- Assistance with transactions and negotiations with innovative transportation suppliers;
- Logistics solutions for shipping large and technological equipment;
- Consulting on certification requirements and import regulations for aviation technologies.
If you are interested in innovative transportation solutions from China, contact us! We will help you access the most cutting-edge technologies of the future.
