Chinese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer EHang has signed a framework agreement with JAC Motors and Guoxian to establish a joint venture in Hefei, China, for the development of a production facility. The agreement follows EHang’s recent milestone in Europe, where it successfully completed the first unmanned urban eVTOL flight test in Spain.
The new joint venture aims to build an advanced eVTOL manufacturing hub in Hefei, integrating automation and standardized production processes. The companies plan to collaborate on research and development, manufacturing, and sales, with a focus on advancing the low-altitude economy. “This initiative aims to foster the development of the low-altitude economy and a new multi-dimensional transportation ecosystem,” the companies said in a statement.
See also: Ehang Completes Maiden Flight of EH216-S eVTOL in Shanghai, Expanding Urban Air Mobility Plans
JAC Motors Chairman Xingchu Xiang emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership, stating: “By leveraging Hefei’s high-quality resources, this collaboration aims to drive the high-quality growth of emerging industries.”
Meanwhile, in Europe, EHang conducted a test flight of its EH216-S unmanned eVTOL in Benidorm, Spain. The flight was part of the EU-funded U-ELCOME project under the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking and involved coordinated operations with 12 additional drones managed by Spain’s air navigation service provider, Enaire.
See also: Changan and EHang Partner to Develop Flying Cars and eVTOL Aircraft
The global eVTOL sector has seen increased volatility in recent months, with German startups Volocopter and Lilium filing for insolvency. However, industry investments continue, with Archer Aviation securing $300 million in funding in the U.S. and Joby partnering with Virgin Atlantic for future eVTOL taxi services in the UK.
