Changan Automobile has announced a partnership with EHang Holdings to collaborate on the research and development of flying cars and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. These innovative vehicles are expected to offer vertical takeoff and landing capabilities without the need for traditional runways.
The partnership will combine Changan’s automotive expertise with EHang’s strength as a global Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology platform company. Both companies aim to create advanced transportation solutions that could drive new economic opportunities. The low-altitude economy in China, including activities like drone deliveries, is predicted to reach a value of one trillion dollars by 2030, presenting significant potential for growth in the sector.
Changan plans to invest over $2.91 billion in the next five years to accelerate the development of flying cars, with plans to invest over $13.7 billion in the next decade. This investment will also cover the exploration of comprehensive transportation solutions across land, sea, air, and humanoid robotics.
This initiative is aligned with Changan’s long-term vision to become an “intelligent low-carbon mobility technology company,” continually pursuing breakthroughs in digital technologies. The signing ceremony was part of the company’s celebration of its new Global Science and Art Center at its Global R&D Center in Chongqing, China.
The center will focus on research in areas such as artificial intelligence, information technology, and customer experience design. Changan has committed over $4.11 billion in the next 10 years to build a team of over 3,000 experts and researchers. This is part of a broader global R&D network that includes 16 research centers, 17 technology companies, and over 18,000 R&D personnel across 31 countries and regions.