Urban air mobility company EHang said it has established a strategic partnership with Guangzhou Greater Bay Technology (GBT) for research and development of battery solutions for EHang’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The partnership is to promote the research and development as well as industrialisation of eVTOL power system components and modules in the UAM sector, laying an ecological foundation for commercial operations of the low-altitude economy.
Based on EHang’s eVTOL aircraft (including EH216-S, VT30 and others), EHang and GBT will jointly develop eVTOL power cells, batteries, packs, charging piles and energy storage systems that meet the airworthiness standards of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) as well as the 4H standards (i.e. high energy density, high cycle life, high instantaneous charge-discharge rate, and high safety), thereby achieving the adaption and adoption of ultra-fast charging power batteries in EHang’s eVTOL aircraft. Furthermore, both parties will gradually develop fast-charging piles, stations and other infrastructures to establish the ecology for future commercial operations.
Power battery system is one of the core components of aircraft and its performance determines the range, stability, safety, and operational efficiency of the aircraft. The UFC/XFC batteries to be jointly developed by both parties for eVTOL aircraft will offer a full scale of advantages in terms of (i) fast charging speed, which is expected to only take five to ten minutes to be charged from 30% to 80%, (ii) over 200Wh/kg high energy density of the battery system, and (iii) long cycle life of over 2,000 cycle times. It will further enhance EHang’s eVTOL products in terms of safety, endurance, and operational efficiency, in order to better meet the core demands of convenience, efficiency, and economy for large-scale and high-frequency operations of eVTOL aircraft in urban low-altitude mobility.
EHang signs UAE deal
EHang also announced it is partnering with Multi Level Group (MLG) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to drive eVTOL development in the UAE and beyond. EHang is looking to set up its regional headquarters in Abu Dhabi to promote business activities with local partners including manufacturing, flight operations, research and development, training and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facilities.
ADIO will be providing EHang with a comprehensive range of growth-enabling support, including providing data and information related to establishing and operating a manufacturing and industrial services business in Abu Dhabi; setting up enablement and links with the Abu Dhabi ecosystem and international trade opportunities.
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