(Translated by https://www.hiragana.jp/)
EHang Seals ‘Flying Car’ Factory Deal as Orders Spike - Caixin Global
Caixin

EHang Seals ‘Flying Car’ Factory Deal as Orders Spike

Published: Feb. 27, 2025  6:21 p.m.  GMT+8
00:00
00:00/00:00
Listen to this article 1x
EHang’s flagship EH216-S unmanned aerial vehicle makes a demonstration flight in Hefei, East China’s Anhui Province. Photo: EHang
EHang’s flagship EH216-S unmanned aerial vehicle makes a demonstration flight in Hefei, East China’s Anhui Province. Photo: EHang

Passenger-drone maker EHang Holdings Ltd. will boost its production capacity through a tie-up with a carmaker and a state-owned enterprise, as orders grow rapidly amid government support for the “low-altitude economy.”

The agreement will see EHang, Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp. Ltd. (JAC) and Hefei Guoxian Holdings Co. Ltd. jointly establish a factory in Hefei to make pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, EHang said in a statement Tuesday.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers
VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.

Share this article
Open WeChat and scan the QR code
DIGEST HUB
Digest Hub Back
Explore the story in 30 seconds
  • EHang Holdings Ltd. is partnering with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group and Hefei Guoxian Holdings to establish a factory for pilotless eVTOL vehicles in Hefei, boosted by government support for the "low-altitude economy."
  • EHang delivered 216 EH216-S drones in 2024, marking a 315% year-on-year increase, spurred by municipal efforts to promote drones in transportation and logistics.
  • The Chinese government has prioritized the development of the low-altitude economy, launching trials and commercial use of eVTOLs, with plans for wider autonomous drone use by 2035.
AI generated, for reference only
Who’s Who
EHang Holdings Ltd.
EHang Holdings Ltd. is a passenger-drone maker collaborating with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group and Hefei Guoxian Holdings to expand production of eVTOL vehicles in Hefei. Boosted by Chinese government support for the "low-altitude economy," EHang's EH216-S drone obtained airworthiness certification in 2023, leading to a 315% sales increase in 2024. The company plans to build more factories and support China's eVTOL commercial use goals.
Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp. Ltd.
Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp. Ltd. (JAC) is a car manufacturer involved in a partnership with EHang and Hefei Guoxian Holdings to establish a factory in Hefei for producing pilotless eVTOL vehicles. JAC contributes its expertise in manufacturing and supply chain management to the project. This collaboration highlights JAC's role in advancing China's low-altitude economy by helping produce innovative transportation solutions.
Hefei Guoxian Holdings Co. Ltd.
Hefei Guoxian Holdings Co. Ltd. is a state-owned enterprise involved in a joint venture with EHang and Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp. Ltd. to establish a factory in Hefei for producing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. The company provides resource integration capacity for the project, supporting the growing low-altitude economy, which includes the use of drones and eVTOL vehicles in various industries.
Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd.
In February 2024, EHang inked a deal with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd., providing technology to help develop their own eVTOL project.
Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. Ltd.
Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. Ltd. is an automaker that entered into a collaboration with EHang in December 2024. The partnership involves EHang providing technology to assist Changan Automobile in developing its own eVTOL project, similar to a deal EHang made with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. earlier in 2024.
AI generated, for reference only
What Happened When
October 2023:
Four Chinese ministries released a plan to put eVTOL vehicles into trial commercial use by the end of 2025.
Late 2023:
Hefei pledged $100 million to support EHang, including helping secure orders and build infrastructure.
December 2023:
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) issued an airworthiness certificate for EHang's EH216-S.
December 2023:
The CAAC opened two bands of low-altitude airspace for use by drones, helicopters and eVTOL aircraft.
February 2024:
EHang inked a deal to provide technology to Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. for an eVTOL project.
November 2024:
During an earnings call, EHang's Chief Operating Officer announced plans to build jointly owned factories in Beijing, Anhui, Shanxi province, and Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.
February 25, 2025:
EHang announced an agreement to establish a factory in Hefei with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Corp. Ltd. (JAC) and Hefei Guoxian Holdings Co. Ltd. to produce eVTOL vehicles.
AI generated, for reference only
Subscribe to unlock Digest Hub
SUBSCRIBE NOW
NEWSLETTERS
Get our CX Daily, weekly Must-Read and China Green Bulletin newsletters delivered free to your inbox, bringing you China's top headlines.

We ‘ve added you to our subscriber list.

Manage subscription
PODCAST
Caixin Deep Dive: Key Challenges China’s Next Five-Year Plan Needs to Tackle
00:00
00:00/00:00