Electrical vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) is being promoted as the next big thing in the mobility world and personal transportation. EHang Holdings Limited, headquartered in China, has achieved a momentous milestone in the advancement of eVTOL aircraft with the successful acquisition of a type certificate for its EH216-S two-seater electric air taxi in 2023.
This achievement underscores the burgeoning interest and substantial investments from both emerging startups and established aviation giants in reshaping personal transportation. Collaborating with Guangzhou Greater Bay Technology (GBT), a distinguished leader in ultra-fast charging technology, EHang is poised to pioneer the development of Ultra-Fast Charging (UFC) and eXtreme Fast Charging (XFC) battery solutions, heralding a transformative era in low-altitude mobility.
“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.
This collaboration between EHang and GBT seeks to expedite the development and industrialization of eVTOL power components, with a primary focus on slashing charging times. Leveraging GBT’s prowess in mass-producing constant-power high-rate power batteries and EHang’s unique standing as the sole possessor of all necessary certificates for passenger-carrying pilotless eVTOL aircraft, the partnership endeavors to set new benchmarks in the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) sphere.
Aligned with the rigorous 4H standards mandated by the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the collaboration will zero in on crafting eVTOL power cells, batteries, packs, charging infrastructure, and energy storage systems. These standards underscore the importance of high energy density, cycle longevity, charge-discharge rates, and safety, all pivotal for the seamless operation of eVTOL aircraft models like the EH216-S and VT30.
The EH216-S, now greenlit for commercial UAV operations, represents a watershed moment as the world’s premier unmanned eVTOL to secure all requisite certificates. Joint efforts aim to integrate ultra-fast charging power batteries into EHang’s eVTOL fleet, augmenting operational efficiency and safety. Moreover, the establishment of swift-charging infrastructure will bolster forthcoming commercial endeavors, laying the groundwork for widespread eVTOL adoption.
At the heart of EHang’s operational prowess lies the development of UFC/XFC batteries, prioritizing rapid charging (5-10 minutes from 30% to 80% capacity), high energy density (>200 Wh/kg), and enduring cycle life (>2,000 cycles). These advancements hold promise in extending the range and curtailing the charging duration of aircraft like the EH216-S, rendering them more commercially viable.
“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.