EHang has made a significant breakthrough in the development of high-energy solid-state battery technology, with which its EH216-S eVTOL completed a continuous 48 minutes and 10 second flight test. The battery significantly improved the flight endurance by 60-90 per cent.

The high-performance solid-state lithium battery utilises metallic lithium as the anode, and oxide ceramics as the electrolyte, resulting in a significant enhancement in energy density and thermal stability, reduced flammability, wider working temperature, improved storage stability and excellent maintenance-free qualities.

With an energy density of 480Wh/kg and exceptional stability, the battery enhances flight performance, broadening its application across the low-altitude economy sector, especially for long-range air mobility, aerial logistics and high-rise firefighting. It has undergone rigorous testing, including electrical performance, mechanical performance, safety performance and tests in extreme conditions.

In September 2023, EHang made a strategic investment in Inx and agreed to jointly develop high-energy-density solid-state battery for its eVTOL aircraft. The Hefei International Advanced Technology Application Promotion Center established a battery research institute, supporting Inx’s R&D, and after multiple iterations of battery cells and modules, the joint team successfully developed a customised solid-state battery solution which has now completed flight tests.

Moving forward, EHang will continue to cooperate with Inx to further test and optimise the performance and stability of the EH216-S and target to achieve large-scale production of certified solid-state batteries for the EH216-S by the end of 2025.

Inx chairman Lin Chen says: “We are extremely proud of this breakthrough. It is a significant step forward in the R&D of high-energy density battery. We’re excited to deepen our collaboration with EHang to further advance and refine capabilities, with a goal of extending the flight time of the EH216-S by 25 per cent to 60 minutes in 2025 and unlocking a wider range of urban air mobility applications.”

EHang COO Zhao Wang adds: “The successful flight of the EH216-S equipped with solid-state battery is a testament to our technological prowess and commitment to innovation and safety. This further enhances flight safety while also substantially improving the aircraft’s endurance and operational efficiency. Additionally, it reduces maintenance costs and expands the possibilities for future operational scenarios. EHang has not only made strides in solid-state battery technology but has also collaborated with partners to develop other batteries tailored to specific applications, such as ultra-fast charging and discharging battery solutions for high-frequency short-haul flights. Looking ahead, we will provide customised battery service solutions to meet the unique needs of our customers. This will enable a wider range of applications.”

The OEM has also signed up Zhuhai Enpower Electric Co to create customised electric motor drive systems that meet the unique specifications of EHang’s diverse eVTOL products and the rigorous airworthiness requirements of civil aviation authorities. Enpower’s ‘integrated core’ technology will target an integrated design of electric motors and motor controllers with lighter weight, higher power density, superior cooling performance and broader compatibility.

Guibin Jiang, chairman of Enpower, says: “By combining our nearly two decades of expertise in electric power systems with EHang’s leadership in intelligent eVTOL, we are poised to innovate and industrialise top-tier motor solutions.”

EHang founder, chairman and CEO Huazhi Hu comments: “This strategic partnership with Enpower not only validates our [UAM] vision but also provides the necessary impetus for our goals. Together, we will redefine the future of transportation, making it safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly.”

Alongside this, EHang has received investment totalling over $22 million from Enpower and an institutional investor from the Middle East. The UAE represents one of EHang’s largest international markets with an intentional order book of 100 units with five units delivered. This investor will utilise its extensive financial and business network to assist in EHang’s international expansion in other countries in the Middle East as well as in Southeast Asia.

This brings EHang’s total year-to-date financing to nearly $100 million, and proceeds will bolster efforts to advance the company’s eVTOL technologies and products, scale production capacity, expand its team, establish new headquarters and operation sites and support general corporate activities.

Yang says: “We are pleased to announce the strategic investment, which is a testament to the investors’ confidence in EHang’s vision, strength and industry leadership. With this investment, we are well-positioned to capitalise on the vast opportunities in the UAM market and accelerate our development pace. Additionally, the strategic investors’ support in the upstream industry chain and in downstream international market development will help us to strengthen our competitive edge. We will continue to push the boundaries of innovation, safety and sustainability, and work towards making UAM a reality for people around the world.”