Thousands of flying cars could be hitting China’s skies in just a few years
The country is planning to have 100,000 Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Vehicles – or eVTOLs – by 2030
China’s major cities are already building the groundwork for this airborne transformation.
The report by the China Low Altitude Economic Alliance reveals that air traffic networks and ground facilities for flying vehicles will be largely completed in the next two to three years.
This infrastructure will enable the mass production and commercialisation of Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Vehicles – or eVTOLs – by 2026.
While current eVTOLs cost a hefty 10 million RMB (£1 million) – prices are expected to drop significantly by 2030.
A family-friendly, four-or five-seat flying car could cost between £200,000 and £300,000 (2-3 million RMB) making them more accessible in the luxury market.
Advancements in artificial intelligence and unmanned technology are key to this vision.
The report predicts widespread use of flying vehicles for logistics, agriculture, urban management, tourism, and emergency rescue operations.
And drone technology is also evolving rapidly.
Companies like Beijing-based i-Kingtec have developed fully autonomous drone garages capable of operating over vast areas.
These are already being used for tasks like power grid inspections and environmental monitoring.
They could be use as personal cars, taxis, or even delivery vans
As this industry takes off, safety and regulation are top priorities.
Anti-drone equipment is gaining attention, with technologies to detect and manage rogue drones around sensitive locations like airports and power plants.
Companies are also working with authorities to establish no-fly zones and ensure safe operations.
China is embracing a “golden decade” for its low-altitude economy, which includes drones and eVTOLs.
This sector is expected to grow to a staggering 3 trillion RMB (£326 billion) by 2030.
Ehang, a leader in the field, has already delivered nearly 300 EH216-S eVTOLs and recently completed a test flight using advanced solid-state batteries.
Other companies, such as Xpeng Aeroht, are targeting mass production by 2026, with prices starting under 2 million RMB.
China’s success could influence other developing nations, exporting its low-altitude economy model worldwide.
With support from over 100 enterprises, including major players like Geely and Ehang, the China Low Altitude Economic Alliance is spearheading this ambitious effort.
By 2030, flying cars could shift from sci-fi fantasy to a daily reality for millions of people in China—transforming cities and setting a new standard for urban mobility.
The eVTOLs could also be used in farming, tourism and even in rescue operations
Companies like Xpeng Aeroht are targeting mass production of eVTOLs by 2026
It comes as flying drone taxis that can hit speeds of 115mph could take to the skies by next year.
Engineers at Brazil‘s Eve Air Mobility are hoping to launch sleek, silent aircraft that take off vertically and glide over city streets.
At the helm of the project is Johann Bordais, who told The Sun about the future of flying taxis – and how Eve is preparing for a world where they could transform the way we live, work, and commute.
Eve has already racked up 30 customers – building an order book of 2,900 eVTOL vehicles – the largest pre-order tally in the industry.
Bordais told the Sun: “We have the biggest pre-order book in the industry, with a total of 2,900 vehicles pre-sold.
“But the roadblock will be ecosystem readiness, not technology.”
While the vehicles – known as eVTOLs – are advancing rapidly, there’s a longer journey ahead to build the infrastructure to support the new form of travel.
This includes a new air traffic management system, vertical take-off and landing ports and also charging ports for the electric flying taxis.
What are eVTOLs?
eVTOLs, or electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicles, are a new category of aircraft designed to take off, hover, and land vertically using electric propulsion systems.
These innovative vehicles represent a significant step toward the future of sustainable and efficient air mobility.
Unlike traditional aircraft that rely on runways, eVTOLs operate vertically, making them particularly suited for use in urban areas where space is limited.
They are powered by electric motors, typically using rechargeable batteries, although hybrid systems combining electric and fuel-based propulsion are also under development.
This electric propulsion makes them quieter and more environmentally friendly than conventional aircraft.
One of the most exciting aspects of eVTOL technology is its potential to transform transportation.
In urban areas, eVTOLs could serve as air taxis, alleviating traffic congestion and reducing commute times.
Beyond cities, they could provide quick, efficient travel between regional destinations, bridging gaps where trains or highways might be slower or unavailable.
Their ability to operate in tight spaces and remote areas also makes them valuable for emergency services, such as medical evacuations or disaster response.
They are also being explored for cargo transport, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to ground-based logistics.
In the military and defence sectors, eVTOLs could be used for reconnaissance, troop transport, or delivering supplies in challenging terrains.
China is making significant strides in the development and deployment of air taxi services, aiming to revolutionize urban transportation. These efforts focus on integrating electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft into the nation’s transportation network. Below are key developments and initiatives:
1. Ambitious Plans for eVTOL Integration
The China Low Altitude Economic Alliance projects that by 2030, China could have up to 100,000 eVTOLs serving as family vehicles and air taxis. The alliance anticipates that within the next two to three years, major cities will establish air transportation networks and supporting ground service facilities for low-altitude vehicles. Advancements in artificial intelligence and unmanned technology are expected to facilitate the widespread use of autonomous eVTOLs across various sectors, including logistics, agriculture, urban management, tourism, and emergency rescue operations. citeturn0search3
2. Pioneering Demonstration Flights
AutoFlight, a Shanghai-based eVTOL developer, conducted the world’s first inter-city electric air-taxi demonstration flight in Guangdong Province. The flight covered the route between Shenzhen and Zhuhai, reducing a traditional 2.5 to 3-hour car journey to approximately 20 minutes. The aircraft, designed to carry five people at speeds up to 200 kilometers per hour with a range of 250 kilometers on a single charge, is expected to commence regular passenger flights by 2026. citeturn0search0
3. Commercial Air Taxi Services
- Shanghai to Kunshan Route: An interprovincial low-altitude passenger transport route connecting Shanghai Pudong International Airport with the Kunshan City Terminal in Jiangsu province has commenced operations. The inaugural flight reduced travel time between the two locations by half, offering a 28-minute helicopter journey followed by a 25-minute car transfer to the airport. Operated by Shanghai Newsky Helicopter Co., the service aims to provide a seamless and efficient travel option for passengers. citeturn0search1
- Longwan to Qingtian Service: Wenzhou’s Longwan district and Lishui’s Qingtian county launched an intercity air taxi service, completing a test flight that covered approximately 115 kilometers in just under 20 minutes—a significant reduction compared to the traditional car journey. This initiative is part of efforts to integrate Longwan International Airport with the southern Zhejiang transportation network. citeturn0search2
4. International Collaborations and Deliveries
AutoFlight achieved a milestone by delivering its first Prosperity eVTOL aircraft to a Japanese operator, marking the world’s first delivery of a civilian eVTOL aircraft weighing over a ton. The aircraft is intended for urban air traffic demonstration flights and aims to support eVTOL demonstrations at the 2025 Osaka Expo. This delivery underscores China’s growing influence in the global eVTOL market. citeturn0search4
5. Infrastructure and Regulatory Developments
China’s major cities are actively building the necessary infrastructure to support eVTOL operations, including air traffic networks and ground service facilities. These developments are expected to be largely completed within the next two to three years, facilitating mass production and commercialization of eVTOLs by 2026. Additionally, advancements in AI and unmanned technology are anticipated to support the widespread adoption of autonomous eVTOLs. citeturn0search3
6. Economic Impact and Future Outlook
The low-altitude economy, encompassing drones and eVTOLs, is projected to reach a valuation of 3 trillion RMB by 2030. This growth is driven by the integration of eVTOLs into various sectors, including logistics, agriculture, urban management, tourism, and emergency rescue operations. The anticipated reduction in eVTOL costs, coupled with technological advancements, is expected to make air taxis a common mode of transportation in China’s urban landscapes. citeturn0search3
In summary, China’s proactive initiatives in developing air taxi services and eVTOL technology highlight its commitment to transforming urban mobility. Through strategic planning, technological innovation, and infrastructure development, China is positioning itself as a leader in the emerging low-altitude economy.
