EHang 216 AAV

EHang 216 AAV Introduction:

EHang 216 AAV steps into 2024 as a certified autonomous eVTOL aircraft built in China for the rising urban air mobility sector. It operates as a fully pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing platform. And it shifts urban transport from traffic-clogged streets to low altitude corridors. The aircraft targets short haul aerial mobility with a 17 kWh battery and 35 km flight range, about 22 miles. With a base price of $410,000 USD (€345,376), it positions itself as a premium electric air taxi for municipalities and fleet operators. Certification from Chinese aviation authorities strengthens its credibility in commercial deployment.

• Manufactured in China with production focused on autonomous passenger transport.
• Model year 2024 reflects certified commercial readiness in urban air mobility.
• Base trim price $410,000 USD (€345,376) for the passenger configuration.
• Designed for two passengers with 220 kg payload capacity.
• Primary differentiator lies in fully autonomous flight without onboard pilot controls.

What is the Price of EHang 216 AAV in 2024?

The EHang 216 AAV price starts at $410,000 USD (€345,376). That figure places it within the premium electric aviation segment, targeting fleet operators rather than private hobbyists. Pricing reflects certification status, autonomous flight technology, and distributed electric propulsion architecture.

Each trim shares the same 17 kWh battery platform and distributed propulsion system. The passenger version prioritizes urban aerial transport. The firefighting trim targets municipal agencies. The logistics variant supports short haul electric cargo missions. Pricing reflects configuration purpose and onboard equipment integration.

Engine, Battery, and Performance Specs:

Battery & Charging Specifications

The aircraft integrates a 17 kWh lithium battery pack engineered for short urban hops. Flying range reaches 35 km, roughly 22 miles. Full charge requires about 120 minutes on AC or DC input. Maximum flight time stands at 21 minutes under typical load conditions. Flight altitude extends to 3,000 meters, around 9,843 feet, supporting island or mountainous corridors.

• Battery capacity: 17 kWh
• Flying range: 35 km (22 miles)
• Flight time: 21 minutes
• Charging time: 120 minutes
• Maximum altitude: 3,000 m (9,843 ft)

Electric Motor Specifications

Sixteen independent electric motors form the distributed electric propulsion system. Total power output reaches 160 kW, equivalent to about 214 horsepower. The coaxial double propeller layout enhances redundancy and stability. And each motor operates independently under flight control algorithms, compensating instantly for irregularities.

• Power output: 160 kW (214 hp)
• Propulsion layout: 16 rotors
• Configuration: Coaxial double propeller
• Drive type: Fully electric DEP system

Performance Specifications

Maximum speed reaches 130 km/h, about 81 mph. Typical cruise holds near 100 km/h for efficiency. Curb weight sits at 400 kg, roughly 882 pounds. Payload capacity reaches 220 kg, nearly 485 pounds. Vertical takeoff and landing enable operations from compact rooftop vertiports of roughly 5 square meters.

• Top speed: 130 km/h (81 mph)
• Cruise speed: 100 km/h (62 mph)
• Curb weight: 400 kg (882 lb)
• Cargo capacity: 220 kg (485 lb)

And the experience feels smooth and software governed. Autonomous stabilization keeps pitch and roll balanced. Electric propulsion lowers acoustic footprint in dense neighborhoods. Urban air mobility becomes practical within short range corridors.

Exterior and Interior Features

Exterior Design

The exterior follows a multi rotor eVTOL blueprint with eight telescopic arms and sixteen rotors. Dimensions measure 7.33 m length, 5.63 m width, and 1.93 m height. That equals about 24.05 ft by 18.47 ft by 6.33 ft. Aviation grade carbon fiber and aluminum alloy reduce mass while preserving structural rigidity. Gull wing doors allow entry in compact landing pads. LED navigation lights and strobe beacons support night operations.

Interior & Technology

The cabin seats two passengers in ergonomic leather chairs. No yokes or pedals appear inside. Instead, dual 9.7 inch tablets act as the primary control interface. 5G connectivity links the craft to a command center. Real time data such as altitude, speed, and battery state displays clearly. An 18 inch luggage compartment secures carry on items.

And the interior feels like stepping into a minimalist cockpit lounge. Panoramic glazing offers 360 degree views. Noise levels remain lower than traditional helicopters. Urban aerial commuting becomes calm and structured.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

• Certified autonomous eVTOL platform
• Low noise distributed electric propulsion
• Compact rooftop vertiport compatibility
• 5G connected command system
• Early mover advantage in China

Cons

• Limited 35 km range
• High entry price for private buyers
• Regulatory hurdles outside China

Market position & Expert Data:

The aircraft occupies a leadership slot in certified autonomous urban air mobility. According to Reuters, China accelerates low altitude economy development with multi billion dollar infrastructure programs in 2025. Data reveals that urban air mobility investment surpassed $8 billion globally in 2025. Research from McKinsey indicates that UAM could reach a $20 billion annual market by 2030.

Industry analysts highlight certification as the primary barrier. And early certification provides operational leverage. In China, deployment for tourism and island hopping expands flight hours rapidly. Meanwhile, Western regulators continue structured evaluation. Market dynamics favor certified autonomous solutions with proven safety redundancy.

Conclusion:

The EHang 216 AAV represents certified autonomous electric aviation ready for urban corridors. With a 17 kWh battery, 35 km range, and 130 km/h top speed, it fits short haul air taxi missions. Pricing at $410,000 USD (€345,376) targets municipal and fleet operators. Urban air mobility shifts from concept to commercial practice with pilotless certification.