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China’s Flying Taxis Set To Launch In Three Years, Says Ehang

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 4, 2025

Ehang, a Chinese aviation company, has announced that flying taxis could be operational in Chinese cities within three to five years. The company, which manufactures autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs), recently received the world’s first certification to operate pilotless aerial vehicles carrying humans, making flying taxis a viable transportation option.

Certification Clears The Path For Commercial Operations

Ehang, in partnership with Hefei Heyi Aviation, was granted certification by the Civil Aviation Administration of China for its “civil human-carrying pilotless aerial vehicles.” This allows Ehang to launch commercial operations, starting with paid tourist rides in cities like Guangzhou and Hefei by June 2025. Air taxi services are expected to expand to cities like Shenzhen and Hefei.

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The certified EH216-S vehicle is a two-seater, fully electric aerial vehicle with 16 propellers, capable of speeds up to 130 km/h and a 30 km range. Ehang plans to expand operations to cities such as Zhuhai and Wuhan.

China’s Leadership in eVTOL Technology

China is advancing rapidly in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) sector. The government’s investment in the low-altitude economy, which includes eVTOLs, drones, and air shuttle routes, is expected to make this sector worth $205 billion by 2025.

Global Competition Intensifies

While China leads, it faces competition from international players like Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, and U.S.-based startups such as Joby Aviation and Archer. Chinese company Xpeng also aims to mass-produce flying cars by 2026.

The eVTOL market is projected to reach $30 billion within the next decade, and China’s dominance presents both opportunities and challenges for global competitors.

The Future Of China’s Flying Taxis

With government backing and a growing number of domestic eVTOL investments, China is poised to stay at the forefront of this innovative sector. However, increasing competition from global companies will shape the future of flying taxis.

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Electric Vehicle Leaders Urge EU To Maintain 2035 Zero Emission Mandate

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 13, 2025

Industry Voices Emphasize the Importance of Commitment

Over 150 key figures from Europe’s electric car sector, including executives from Volvo Cars and Polestar, have signed a letter urging the European Union to adhere to its ambitious 2035 zero emission goal for cars and vans. These industry leaders warn that any deviation could hamper the progress of Europe’s burgeoning EV market, inadvertently strengthen global competitors, and weaken investor confidence.

Evolving Perspectives Within the Automotive Community

This call comes in the wake of a contrasting appeal issued at the end of August by heads of European automobile manufacturers’ and automotive suppliers’ associations. That letter, endorsed by the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Kaellenius, argued that a 100 percent emission reduction target may no longer be practical for cars by 2035.

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Discussion With EU Leadership on The Horizon

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to meet with automotive industry leaders on September 12 to deliberate the future of the sector. Facing stiff challenges such as the rise of Chinese competition and the implications of US tariffs, the stakes for the EU’s policy decisions have never been higher.

Potential Risks of Eroding Ambitious Targets

Industry leaders like Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, caution that any weakening of the targets could undermine climate objectives and compromise Europe’s competitive edge in the global market. Michiel Langzaal, chief executive of EU charging provider Fastned, further highlighted that investments in charging infrastructure and software development are predicated on the certainty of these targets.

Regulatory Compliance And The Mercedes-Benz Exception

A report from transport research and campaign group T&E indicates that nearly all European carmakers, with the exception of Mercedes-Benz, are positioned to meet CO₂ regulation requirements for the 2025-2027 period. To avoid potential penalties, Mercedes must now explore cooperation with partners such as Volvo Cars and Polestar.

Conclusion

The industry’s unified stance underscores the critical balance between environmental aspirations and maintaining competitive advantage. With high-level discussions imminent, the EU’s forthcoming decisions will be pivotal in shaping not only the future of the continent’s automotive sector but also its global positioning in the race towards sustainable mobility.