Electric air taxis are a promising innovation that could revolutionize urban transportation. These vehicles, also known as eVTOLs (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Aircraft), are designed to offer quick, efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation, especially in congested urban areas.
Chinese start-up EHang made history on October 13, 2023, when its EH216-S electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft became the first of its kind to receive “A” type certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). This certification signifies that the aircraft meets all of China’s safety and airworthiness standards, paving the way for commercial passenger operations.
EHang, which trades on the US stock market, saw its share price jump as the business world took in the extraordinary news which could potentially revolutionize the aviation world.
The EH216-S is a fully autonomous, two-seat air taxi capable of carrying passengers over distances of up to 30 kilometers at speeds reaching 130 km/h. It features 16 propellers across eight foldable arms and is powered entirely by electricity, with a full charge taking approximately two hours.
Amidst a global landscape where eVTOL aviation airworthiness regulations are still evolving, it is important to note that China has managed to formulate a rigorous and scientific regulatory framework of airworthiness certification for the EH216-S passenger-carrying UAV system.
Huazhi Hu, founder, chairman and CEO of EHang said:
- “Embracing the TC as our springboard, we will launch commercial operations of the EH216-S unmanned eVTOLs, prioritizing safety above all. This will enable us to steadily progress towards our strategic goal to be a UAM platform operator, and commit to our mission to enable safe, autonomous, and eco-friendly air mobility accessible to everyone.”
Following the type certificate, EHang also obtained a standard airworthiness certificate in December 2023 and a production certificate in April 2024—the first such certifications issued globally for a passenger-carrying eVTOL. These milestones enable EHang to commence mass production and initiate commercial operations of the EH216-S EHangCGTN News.
The certification of the EH216-S represents a significant advancement in urban air mobility, positioning China as a leader in the deployment of electric air taxis.
Here’s an overview of the investments from car manufacturers in the “Electric Vehicle Take-off and Landing start-ups:
- GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT IN ELECTRIC AIR TAXIS: Electric air taxis, or electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, are rapidly advancing toward commercial deployment worldwide. Here’s an overview of key developments as of April 2025:
- United States:
- Archer Aviation has received FAA Part 135 certification, enabling on-demand air taxi services. The company plans to launch its Midnight eVTOL in New York City, aiming to reduce travel time between Manhattan and airports like JFK and LaGuardia to just 5–15 minutes. United Airlines has ordered Midnight aircraft, and the service is expected to debut around the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics; and
- Joby Aviation is collaborating with Virgin Atlantic to introduce eVTOL services in the UK, targeting routes such as Heathrow to Canary Wharf. The UK government aims for eVTOL flights to commence by 2026.
- China:
- AutoFlight conducted the world’s first inter-city eVTOL flight between Shenzhen and Zhuhai, covering 50 km in 20 minutes. This demonstration is part of China’s broader strategy to develop low-altitude urban air mobility; and
- EHang plans to expand its EH216-S air taxi services to the UAE, following the aircraft’s certification in China. The company has partnered with local entities to begin deliveries and operations in the Middle East.
- United Arab Emirates:
- Archer Aviation has announced plans to launch eVTOL services across the UAE by 2026, marking it as the company’s first international market. The initiative is supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, which will assist in establishing manufacturing and operational facilities.
- Europe:
- Volocopter intended to operate eVTOL services during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, with three commercial routes planned in the city. The company is collaborating with local authorities to ensure timely implementation. However, Volocopter did not operate passenger-carrying electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) services during the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. Although the company had received approval from French authorities to conduct flying taxi demonstrations, certification delays prevented the VoloCity aircraft from being cleared for commercial use in time for the event; and
- Canada:
- Transport Canada: Canada’s aviation regulatory authority is closely monitoring developments in eVTOL technology. They have been working on a regulatory framework to ensure the safety of these vehicles. This includes ensuring that eVTOLs meet stringent standards for both airworthiness and operational safety; and
- Partnerships: Several Canadian companies and start-ups are actively involved in the development of electric air taxi technologies or in partnerships to bring the technology to Canadian skies. Companies like Vinci Technologies and Lilium have already shown interest in the Canadian market.
- INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Hyundai’s Supernal unveiled its S-A2 eVTOL at CES 2024, designed for city travel with a range of 25 to 40 miles. The company aims to launch commercial operations by 2028, potentially utilizing solid-state batteries for enhanced performance;
- Textron’s eAviation plans to have its Nexus eVTOL operational by 2030. The company is focusing on leveraging its extensive certification experience to meet this timeline;
- Archer Aviation in partnership with United Airlines plans to launch an air taxi network in New York City using the all-electric Midnight eVTOL. This service aims to connect Manhattan with major airports, cutting travel times from up to two hours by car to just 5–15 minutes by air. Flights would operate from existing helipads and are expected to be available as add-ons to commercial airline tickets. However, the service awaits FAA certification before it can commence;
- Wisk Aero, backed by Boeing, is developing the Cora, a pilotless eVTOL. After successful trials in New Zealand, Wisk aims to establish air taxi services in collaboration with Air New Zealand. The Cora made its first public flight demonstration in 2023, showcasing the potential for autonomous urban air mobility;
- Chinese company EHang has pioneered autonomous air taxis with its 216 model. The EHang 216 has received special flight operations certification in Canada and is undergoing trials in various countries. EHang’s efforts highlight the global interest in integrating eVTOLs into urban transportation networks; and
- Guangzhou, China, has introduced the world’s first eVTOL “air taxi” available for purchase online. The city plans to develop a network of low-altitude flight routes and specialized airports, aiming to build a 150 billion yuan industry by 2027. This initiative positions Guangzhou as a leader in urban air mobility.
- INFRASTRUCTURE:
- The successful implementation of urban air taxis requires significant infrastructure development, including vertiports equipped with charging stations. Cities must invest in strategically placed vertiports to support commercial operations, similar to the expansion of electric vehicle charging networks. Additionally, integrating eVTOLs into existing air traffic control systems while maintaining strict safety standards remains a top priority.
Perhaps the question is: How much carbon dioxide (CO2) can be circumvented by using Electric Air Taxis?
The answer is: The CO₂ savings from using electric air taxis is dependent on several factors such as:
- The type of aircraft;
- Average trip distances; and
- What kind of ground transportation they’re replacing (e.g. gas-powered taxis, rideshares, private cars).
Here’s a breakdown to help estimate potential savings:
- TYPICAL URBAN AIR TAXI FLIGHT:
- Let’s assume a standard electric Air Taxi trip is:
- Distance: 30 km (about 19 miles);
- Energy use: ~0.2 kWh per passenger-km (varies by aircraft, e.g., Joby, Lilium, Archer); and
- CO₂ emissions: Zero at point-of-use (no tailpipe emissions), but electricity production still matters.
- COMPARING TO A GAS-POWERED CAR OR TAXI:
- A typical gasoline car emits ~120–250 grams of CO₂ per km, depending on the car and driving conditions:
- Car: ~3.6 to 7.5 kg CO₂ per trip;
- Electric Air Taxi (if powered by clean electricity): ~0 kg CO₂; and
- Electric Air Taxi (average U.S. grid mix): ~0.1 kg CO₂/kWh × 0.2 × 30 = 0.6 kg CO₂ per passenger; and
- POTENTIAL CO₂ SAVINGS PER TRIP PER PERSON:
- Gas Car → Electric Air Taxi (Clean Electricity): Save up to 7.5 kg CO₂ per trip;
- Gas Car → Electric Air Taxi (Average Electricity): Save ~3–7 kg CO₂; and
- Multiply that by thousands of daily trips in a major city, and you’re looking at tons of CO₂ saved daily.
The bottomline is that while battery production and aircraft manufacturing have their own CO₂ footprints (though lower over time due to electric operation), the urban air taxi revolution is poised to reshape city transportation by offering a faster, more sustainable, and efficient alternative to traditional commuting. With significant investments, strategic partnerships, and evolving regulatory frameworks, companies like Archer Aviation, Wisk Aero, and EHang are well-positioned to lead this transformation.
Here’s a reality check; challenges such as infrastructure development, regulatory approval, and public acceptance must be addressed before air taxis become a common feature of city skylines.
