Driverless flying taxis can travel nearly 125 miles on a single battery charge

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• EHang VT35 explained: what this flying taxi really is
• Performance and efficiency: long range for an electric aircraft
  • Key performance figures
• Where it can land and who could use it
• Cabin, comfort and human-machine interaction
• Safety systems and testing status
• Market timing, price and regulatory hurdles
• How EHang positions the VT35 in the eVTOL race

The future of short-haul travel is rising from Chinese runways — literally. EHang has revealed the VT35, a pilotless, two-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft built to cruise between cities at highway speeds. The debut flight in Hefei showed a machine designed for range, autonomy, and rooftop hops, and it has already sparked fresh debate about how cities will move people in the air.

EHang VT35 explained: what this flying taxi really is

The VT35 is the latest model from EHang, presented in October in Anhui Province. It’s a compact, autonomous eVTOL intended for low-altitude passenger transport.

• Configuration: Two seats, compact airframe, electric propulsion.
• Lift system: Eight vertical lift propellers for takeoff and landing.
• Forward propulsion: Rear pusher propeller and fixed wings for efficient cruise.
• Control: Fully autonomous flight systems with remote pilot oversight options.

Performance and efficiency: long range for an electric aircraft

EHang built the VT35 to address one of the major criticisms of eVTOLs: limited electric range.

Key performance figures

• Range: Up to 125 miles on a single charge.
• Cruise speed: Approximately 134 mph.
• Maximum takeoff weight: 950 kg, including two passengers and cargo.

The combination of a pusher propeller and fixed wings reduces drag in forward flight. That hybrid layout lets the VT35 switch from vertical lift to efficient cruise, extending battery endurance for intercity hops.

Where it can land and who could use it

The VT35’s vertical lift design means it does not need long runways. EHang envisions urban networks where these aircraft use rooftops, small parking-structure ports, and designated vertiports.

• Rooftops and parking lots for point-to-point city links.
• Regional routes that cross hills or short water crossings.
• Potential longer legs, depending on infrastructure and regulations.

Officials from the company say the aircraft is aimed at making intercity aerial travel routine and safe. The design also points to future use in business transport, emergency missions, and tourism.

Cabin, comfort and human-machine interaction

Comfort was not an afterthought in the VT35.

• Leather-trimmed interior and ergonomic seats.
• A central touchscreen “motherboard” that doubles as an instrument panel and infotainment hub.
• Environmental controls and seating adjustments that can be handled by voice, touch, or a remote operator.

Despite its pilotless intent, the cabin aims to feel familiar to car and small-plane passengers. The interface supports remote oversight, allowing a human operator to step in when required.

Safety systems and testing status

Safety features are central to EHang’s pitch for autonomous passenger flight.

• Obstacle detection and avoidance sensors and software.
• Redundant flight systems to reduce the risk of single-point failures.
• Remote pilot monitoring and intervention capabilities.

During recent trials the VT35 completed a full transition from vertical lift to forward cruise. The aircraft is still in internal testing and undergoing airworthiness evaluations. Those steps will determine if it can proceed to commercial operations.

Market timing, price and regulatory hurdles

EHang has announced a global release plan and a list price for the VT35. The vehicle’s configuration and certification path will shape how quickly operators can field services.

• List price: Approximately $913,600 per unit.
• Status: Undergoing further internal tests and official airworthiness checks.
• Next steps: Certification, infrastructure rollout, and operator training.

Regulators worldwide will need to approve autonomous passenger flights and vertiport operations before frequent commercial services can begin.

How EHang positions the VT35 in the eVTOL race

EHang calls itself a pioneer in pilotless eVTOL technology. The VT35 builds on previous prototypes while focusing on longer-range missions and an autonomous operational model.

• The company emphasizes accessibility, low-altitude mobility, and greener transport.
• Technical advancements aim to expand viable applications beyond inner-city hops.
• Company statements stress continuous optimization for safety and performance.