EHang Holdings Limited (“EHang” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: EH) announced a strategic partnership with Zhuhai Enpower Electric Co., Ltd. (“Enpower”) (SZ300681). EHang, a leader in Urban Air Mobility (UAM) technology, and Enpower, a pioneer in new energy vehicle (NEV) power systems, will collaborate to co-develop high-performance electric motors and motor controllers for EHang’s suite of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

The collaboration aims to advance the next generation of eVTOLs by creating customized electric motor drive systems. These systems will be designed to meet the unique specifications of EHang’s diverse eVTOL products, ensuring compliance with the rigorous airworthiness requirements of civil aviation authorities such as the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Enpower’s state-of-the-art “integrated core” technology will play a key role in optimizing the motor solutions, offering an integrated design with a focus on lighter weight, higher power density, enhanced cooling performance, and broader compatibility across different eVTOL models. This strategic initiative is poised to significantly elevate the performance, efficiency, and reliability of EHang’s aircraft, meeting the evolving demands of the UAM industry.

Background on EHang and Enpower

EHang Holdings Limited is a world leader in urban air mobility, known for developing autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs). The company was founded in 2014, with a vision to provide safe, intelligent, and efficient air mobility solutions. EHang’s autonomous aircraft are designed to address issues related to urban congestion, logistics, and emergency medical services. Their flagship model, the EHang 216, is an autonomous two-passenger drone capable of vertical takeoff and landing. EHang aims to be the first company to commercialize passenger-grade AAVs, opening new possibilities for urban air mobility worldwide.

Zhuhai Enpower Electric Co., Ltd. has been at the forefront of power system technology since its inception. With nearly two decades of experience, Enpower focuses on electric powertrain solutions for new energy vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs) and eVTOL aircraft. The company’s expertise lies in the development of power electronics and integrated drive systems, which are crucial for high-performance electric mobility.

The partnership with Enpower is a strategic step for EHang, as it aligns with their vision to develop more energy-efficient, lightweight, and high-performance propulsion systems tailored specifically for eVTOL applications. This collaboration will benefit from Enpower’s expertise in integrated motor controllers and modular power solutions, which are crucial to enhancing the power-to-weight ratio in air mobility systems.

Enhancing eVTOL Technology: The Next Frontier

The collaboration will specifically focus on integrating Enpower’s innovative “integrated core” technology into EHang’s aircraft systems. The “integrated core” approach is a breakthrough in electric motor technology, featuring a compact and highly efficient design where the electric motor and its controller are combined into a single unit. This setup results in several key advantages:

• Higher Power Density: With Enpower’s integrated solution, the motor system will achieve a greater power output while maintaining a compact size. This is vital for eVTOLs where space is a limiting factor.

• Reduced Weight: Lower weight is critical for vertical take-off and landing. By integrating the motor and controller, EHang can significantly reduce the overall weight of the propulsion system, allowing for increased payload capacity or extended flight time.

• Superior Cooling Performance: Thermal management is a major challenge in eVTOL propulsion systems. Enpower’s design optimizes heat dissipation, thereby enhancing performance reliability and longevity.

• Modular Design: The adaptability of this integrated system allows compatibility across multiple eVTOL models, streamlining manufacturing and potentially reducing costs.

These innovations align with EHang’s strategic objectives to enhance safety, efficiency, and the user experience for air taxi services. The advanced electric motors will not only enhance operational reliability but also improve efficiency, which is directly linked to reducing the overall cost-per-mile for eVTOL operations.

Urban Air Mobility and Its Potential Impact

The urban air mobility sector has seen significant growth over the past decade, largely fueled by advancements in electric propulsion systems, autonomous technology, and a global push towards green transportation alternatives. Urban areas are facing increased congestion, pollution, and infrastructure limitations, driving demand for new modes of transportation.

EHang’s eVTOLs, powered by innovative electric drive systems like those being developed with Enpower, are intended to address these challenges by providing a new layer of urban transportation that is fast, emission-free, and less infrastructure-dependent.

Globally, the UAM market is projected to reach nearly USD 86 billion by 2035. It promises to revolutionize short-to-medium distance urban travel by enabling point-to-point transportation using the third dimension—air. Cities such as Dubai, Los Angeles, and Singapore have already started experimenting with the integration of urban air mobility into their transportation systems. By partnering with companies like Enpower, EHang is positioning itself at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry, focusing on enhancing the operational viability and economic feasibility of eVTOL aircraft.

The strategic alliance also reflects an important trend in the electric aviation industry, where major players are collaborating across sectors to address the complex challenges of electrification in aviation. Such collaborations are instrumental in refining technologies, meeting stringent airworthiness requirements, and expediting the transition from prototypes to certified commercial operations.

Partnership Goals and Vision for the Future

The statements from leadership at EHang and Enpower emphasize the importance of technological synergy and collaboration for achieving breakthroughs in eVTOL technology. According to Mr. Guibin Jiang, Chairman of Enpower, combining Enpower’s expertise in electric power systems with EHang’s pioneering vision in UAM has the potential to industrialize top-tier motor solutions, ultimately advancing the entire eVTOL ecosystem.

Mr. Huazhi Hu, EHang’s Founder and CEO, highlighted the alignment between this partnership and EHang’s mission to revolutionize urban transportation. He stressed that the collaboration validates EHang’s goals of achieving a cleaner, more efficient, and user-friendly mode of transportation that minimizes urban traffic woes.

Beyond this particular partnership, EHang has been actively collaborating with various industry stakeholders—including infrastructure developers, regulatory bodies, and research institutions—to build an ecosystem that supports urban air mobility. The company has been working with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and CAAC to advance airworthiness certification for its passenger-grade AAVs. These efforts are crucial for ensuring that air taxis, once commercially deployed, meet all safety and regulatory requirements across different jurisdictions.

EHang and Enpower’s cooperation is not merely about technology development; it is also about building a sustainable future. By integrating electric propulsion technologies that emit zero greenhouse gases, the partnership plays a key role in aligning with global sustainability goals. With urban populations continuing to grow, urban air mobility represents a promising solution to make future cities cleaner and more connected.

Conclusion

The partnership between EHang and Enpower is a strategic milestone in the journey toward making urban air mobility a reality. By focusing on the core technological elements—in particular, the electric motor and its integrated control systems—this collaboration will bring about innovations crucial to the operational efficiency, reliability, and scalability of eVTOLs. As the UAM market expands, it will be exciting to see how this partnership influences not just aircraft performance, but the future of urban transportation as a whole.

EHang’s vision of transforming the skies above cities into efficient transit corridors requires groundbreaking technology and strong partnerships. The alliance with Enpower could be a game-changer in making flying taxis a part of daily urban life, potentially reducing the burdens on traditional road-based systems and providing cleaner, faster alternatives for short-to-medium-distance travel.

About Enpower
Established in 2005, Zhuhai Enpower Electric Co., Ltd. is a leading NEV power system provider, listed on the ChiNext Market of Shenzhen Stock Exchange (stock code: 300681). Known for its innovative “integrated core” technology, Enpower partners with major automotive and component groups worldwide, offering products that are efficient, lightweight, and cost-effective. For more information, please visit www.enpower.com.

Source: ehang.com