EHang Pilotless AAM eVTOL Completes Cross-Province Flight

A successful 18-minute crossing of the Qiongzhou Strait demonstrates a 70% increase in travel efficiency compared to traditional ferry routes

Story and Image Credit: Joe Macey
aaminternational.com

The EH216-series pilotless AAM electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft (eVTOL) from EHang recently completed a point-to-point flight across the Qiongzhou Strait, marking a significant milestone for inter-provincial low-altitude mobility.

The aircraft traveled 22 kilometers from Nanhai Mingzhu Island in Hainan Province to Xuwen Port in Guangdong Province. The journey was completed in 18 minutes, representing a substantial reduction from the 60 to 90 minutes typically required for a ferry crossing. This 70% to 80% improvement in travel efficiency validates the technical capabilities of pilotless eVTOLs for over-water operations and establishes a technological foundation for coordinated mobility between the two provinces.

Equipped with a high-energy solid-state battery co-developed by EHang and Inx Energy, the aircraft demonstrated stable performance in complex maritime environments. This battery technology provides the necessary support for diverse applications, including island tourism, maritime emergency response, and logistics. The flight also serves as a precursor to longer-range operations within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Technical preparation for the crossing involved rapid route planning and weather surveying. The EHang team utilized data from previous flights conducted in extreme conditions, including altitudes exceeding 3,000 meters, typhoons, and heavy snow. During the strait crossing, the aircraft maintained stability despite rapidly changing winds and waves, showcasing the high-redundancy safety systems inherent in the pilotless design.

Xiao Faxuan, Chairman of Hainan Airport Group, said, “EHang’s successful pilotless eVTOL flight across the Qiongzhou Strait is a vivid example of innovative development in Hainan’s low-altitude economy. We will seize the opportunity presented by the Free Trade Port’s special customs operations to build a pioneer zone for low-altitude economy applications, empowering industrial development through practical applications and making the low-altitude economy a new growth engine for the Free Trade Port. We will also deepen collaboration between Hainan Province and Guangdong Province, integrate policy and industrial resources across both provinces, facilitate smooth cross-province air mobility, and unite powerful synergies for low-altitude economy development, thereby infusing greater vitality into the Hainan Free Trade Port.”

The successful mission establishes a potential low-altitude corridor between Hainan and Guangdong, supporting the development of a regional application ecosystem. This infrastructure is expected to alleviate congestion during cross-strait transport and enhance circulation efficiency for cross-border logistics at the Hainan Free Trade Port.

Wang Zhao, Chief Operating Officer of EHang, added, “The successful crossing of the Qiongzhou Strait by our EH216-series pilotless eVTOL validates its adaptability and the efficiency gains it brings in complex environments like over-water routes. This achievement is also a significant result of our collaboration with partners to comprehensively enhance core safety performance and jointly build a diverse application ecosystem.

“Coinciding with the historic opportunity of the Hainan Free Trade Port’s special customs operations, the low-altitude economy—a key emerging sector for the Port—is facing promising growth prospects. EHang will leverage this opportunity to continue empowering diverse applications in Hainan, including long-distance logistics, and emergency response, with our pilotless aircraft technology. We are committed to supporting Hainan in building a national innovation and demonstration hub for the low-altitude economy.”

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EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World!

EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation.

EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck.
This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries.

About EVVTOL

• EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs!

• EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology.

• EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain.

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EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World! EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation. EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck. This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries. About EVVTOL • EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs! • EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology. • EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain. (evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

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