Chinese eVTOL Flies Longer Than Your Attention Span Thanks to Solid-State Battery
Image Credit: EHang.
The Chinese are at it again, pushing the boundaries of technology while the rest of us are still trying to figure out how to fold a fitted sheet. This time, it's not some hyper-fast train or a phone that can charge in five minutes; it's flying taxis. And they're electric, of course. Because, apparently, the future is electric, quiet, and slightly terrifying.
A Chinese company called EHang has developed an eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft called the EH216-S. It's basically a giant drone that can carry two passengers, and it's already been certified for low-altitude tourism in China. So, if you're ever in the mood for some aerial sightseeing with a side of existential dread, you know where to go.
EHang has just completed the world's first solid-state battery test in a pilotless passenger-carrying eVTOL. And the results are pretty darn impressive. With a new battery, the EH216-S can stay in the air 48 minutes and 10 seconds, nearly double its previous endurance of 25 minutes. That's almost enough time to watch an entire episode of your favorite TV show, commercials included.
Yeah, I know, big deal. My gas-powered family hauler can go for hours without needing a refill. But here's the thing: this is an aircraft we're talking about. A flying machine that relies on electricity to stay aloft. And until recently, batteries were the Achilles' heel of electric aviation. They were too heavy, too bulky, and didn't hold enough charge to make them practical for anything other than short hops.
Image Credit: EHang.
Solid-state batteries are the new black. They're lighter, more energy-dense, and safer than traditional lithium-ion batteries. And they can operate in a wider range of temperatures, which is important when you're flying quite a few feet in the air.
EHang claims that its solid-state battery has an energy density of 480 Wh/kg, which is roughly double that of current lithium-ion batteries. And it can operate in temperatures ranging from -40 to 302 degrees Fahrenheit. So, whether you're flying over the Sahara Desert or the Arctic Circle, this battery has got you covered.
Image Credit: EHang.
Benefits of solid-state batteries don't stop there. They're also said to be more stable, less flammable, and require less maintenance than traditional batteries. You can rest assured that your flying taxi won't burst into flames mid-flight, which is always a plus.
With this new battery technology, EHang is hoping to expand the use cases for its eVTOL aircraft. They're talking about high-rise firefighting, aerial logistics, and medical emergencies. Ambulances flying over traffic jams to reach patients in minutes? Firefighters soaring above burning buildings to rescue people trapped on rooftops?
Of course, there are still regulations, infrastructure, and public acceptance to sort out. But with companies like EHang pushing the boundaries of technology, it's only a matter of time before we're all zipping around in our personal flying pods. Just try not to look down.
