Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, hailed as the next big thing in personal mobility, are making waves in the aviation industry. Companies big and small are investing heavily in developing these futuristic flying machines, and one significant player in this field is China-based EHang Holdings Limited.
EHang gained attention when it received the type certificate for its EH216-S two-seater electric air taxi back in 2023. Now, it’s teaming up with Guangzhou Greater Bay Technology (GBT), a company known for its ultra-fast charging technology. Together, they aim to develop groundbreaking battery solutions that could revolutionize the way we think about aerial transportation.
Imagine charging your eVTOL aircraft in just five to ten minutes. That’s the goal of this partnership. By developing batteries with ultra-fast charging capabilities, EHang and GBT hope to make eVTOLs more efficient and accessible for everyone.
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EHang CEO Huazhi Hu adds: “Our cooperation will promote the establishment of [ultra-fast charging battery] ecology for eVTOL aircraft, reduce the charging time of eVTOL, and strengthen the foundation for low-cost, large-scale and high-efficiency commercial operations in the low-altitude economy.”
source flightglobal
Urban air mobility (UAM) is all about making flying taxis a reality. With this partnership, EHang and GBT are taking a big step towards making that vision a reality. They’re working on everything from power cells to charging stations, to create a seamless ecosystem for eVTOL transportation.
EHang’s EH216-S is already making waves in the industry. It’s the first unmanned eVTOL aircraft to receive all the necessary certificates for commercial operations. With a range of 18.6 miles (30 kilometres) and a charging time of 2 hours, it’s set to become a game-changer in the world of urban air mobility.
According to the firm, the partnership will look at the “development as well as the industrialization of eVTOL power system components and modules.” “This collaboration will significantly reduce charging times and lay a strong foundation for cost-effective, large-scale, and efficient commercial operations in the low-altitude economy,” said EHang in a LinkedIn post.
source interesting engineering
One of the most critical components of any aircraft is its battery system. EHang and GBT are working on batteries that not only charge quickly but also have a high energy density and a long cycle life. These advancements will not only improve the performance of eVTOLs but also make them safer and more reliable.
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For everyday people, this partnership could mean faster and more convenient transportation options. Imagine being able to hop into an eVTOL taxi and reach your destination in a fraction of the time it would take by car. Plus, with ultra-fast charging, you won’t have to worry about long wait times between flights.
EHang CEO Huazhi Hu is optimistic about the future of urban air mobility. He believes that this partnership will lay the groundwork for cost-effective and efficient commercial operations in the low-altitude economy. In other words, flying taxis could soon become a common sight in cities around the world.
“The battery system is the ‘base station’ in the clean energy network, and its speed of energy flow affects the efficiency of industrial innovation and user experience,” said Pei Feng, President of GBT, in a statement.
EHang has already made significant strides in gaining regulatory approval for its aircraft. With regulators giving the green light for mass production of the EH216-S, the company is poised for even greater success in the future. As more eVTOLs take to the skies, the way we think about transportation could change forever.
