EHang Signs Agreement for 41 Aircraft with Changchun Tech Zone

EHang Secures Agreement to Supply 41 eVTOL Aircraft to Changchun Tech Zone

EHang has finalized a significant agreement to deliver 41 autonomous EH216-S multicopter electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to the Jingyue High-tech Industrial Development Zone in Changchun, Jilin Province, China. This deal aligns with Beijing’s broader Low Altitude Economy initiative, which seeks to integrate drones and advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles into the national airspace system.

Strategic Partnership and Applications

The aircraft will be handed over to the management committee of the Jingyue High-Tech Zone, a prominent economic and innovation center. EHang intends to deploy the eVTOLs primarily for aerial tourism, targeting popular destinations such as Jingyuetan National Forest Park and Changying Century City theme park. Beyond tourism, the aircraft will also support emergency response efforts, passenger transport, and other operational uses.

In keeping with EHang’s approach in other Chinese municipalities, the Jingyue High-Tech Zone has pledged comprehensive support encompassing manufacturing, research and development, testing, and regulatory facilitation. The zone aims to establish an “Integrated Aerospace Triad” industrial ecosystem, which will include a low-altitude smart connectivity test site designed specifically for extreme cold weather conditions. This facility will be instrumental in developing airworthiness standards for electric aircraft operating in temperatures as low as -20°C (-3°F), reflecting the harsh winter climate of Changchun.

The collaboration further extends to joint manufacturing initiatives focused on composite materials for AAM aircraft and eVTOL components. Additionally, the Jingyue High-Tech Zone has developed a digital aerial mapping platform covering multiple provinces in Northeast China. This system integrates airspace management, low-altitude digital coding, satellite communications, and computing infrastructure, supporting the creation of a provincial-scale low-altitude command and dispatch platform for EHang’s operations.

Challenges and Market Context

Despite the scale and ambition of this agreement, EHang faces considerable challenges as it seeks to expand its presence in the advanced air mobility sector. Regulatory barriers remain a significant obstacle, and the company contends with intensifying competition from global rivals such as Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation, both of which are accelerating their development schedules and broadening their market reach. Potential delays in the rollout of EHang’s VT35 Intercity eVTOL model could also hinder the company’s momentum. Moreover, the nascent nature of the eVTOL market has generated some investor skepticism, with market participants closely monitoring EHang’s ability to fulfill its ambitious objectives.

This announcement follows EHang’s recent activities at the Paris Air Show, where it expanded its partnership with battery specialist Gotion High-Tech Co. to develop next-generation battery technologies for the EH216-S. The company also signed a memorandum of understanding with U-Space service provider ANRA Technologies to utilize certified airspace management platforms suited for complex operational environments.

Earlier in June, EHang conducted a public demonstration flight in Abu Dhabi with support from local authorities. The company has also performed demonstrations in Brazil, Spain, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. In the first quarter of 2025, EHang delivered 11 EH216-S aircraft, a notable decrease from 78 units in the previous quarter, which the company attributed to seasonal factors. Two operating certificates granted earlier this year by the Civil Aviation Administration of China have enabled the world’s first commercial passenger-carrying services using certified eVTOL aircraft.

As EHang continues to broaden its partnerships and enhance its technological capabilities, its progress will remain under close scrutiny from investors and competitors within the rapidly evolving advanced air mobility sector.