Changan Automobile allies with EHang to develop flying cars

Beijing (Gasgoo)- On December 21, 2024, urban air mobility (UAM) solution developer EHang announced a strategic partnership with Changan Automobile. The collaboration focuses on the R&D, manufacturing, sales, and operations of flying cars, including eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft and amphibious air-land vehicles.  

The partnership leverages EHang's expertise in aircraft development and low-altitude flight management technologies alongside Changan Automobile's robust vehicle manufacturing capabilities and extensive market resources. The two companies aim to establish a joint venture to build a future mobility ecosystem, promoting the growth of the low-altitude economy and advancing the aerial mobility industry.  

The collaboration is set to expand EHang's eVTOL product line, paving the way for flying cars to enter the broader consumer market. Changan Automobile, known for its strong R&D capabilities, supply chain systems, and market influence, complements EHang's pioneering achievements, including the company's first autonomous passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft.  

According to the agreement, both companies will co-develop advanced, competitive flying car products while integrating efforts in R&D, manufacturing, market promotion, and customer experience.

Changan Automobile's Chairman Zhu Huarong stated the company's plans to invest over 20 billion yuan in the low-altitude economy over the next five years. In the next decade, the automaker aims to pour 100 billion yuan in exploring integrated land, sea, and air mobility solutions.