Chinese transport companies are at the forefront of developing the vehicles of the future, including pilotless passenger drones and driverless taxis. Have you ever imagined flying in an unmanned drone from city to city? In China, this vision is becoming a reality.
While pilotless drones can’t be hailed like taxis just yet, EHang is awaiting government approval for a commercial license to operate short flights around Guangzhou. He Tianxing, EHang’s vice president, states, “We believe the future must be an era of low altitude, and every city will gradually develop into a city in the sky. All humans aspire to have wings and want to fly freely like a bird.”
The two-seater EH216-S drone, equipped with a battery capable of approximately 25 minutes of flight, operates along a pre-programmed route without a pilot. Sky News observed its departure from EHang’s headquarters, flying over a port before landing smoothly.
EHang’s initial model, the EH184, drew attention as one of the first drones capable of carrying passengers. This effort is part of what China refers to as its “low-altitude economy,” focusing on monetizing passenger and delivery drones operating below 1,000 meters. The government is incentivizing this sector’s growth through financial support and licensing.
In Wuhan, approximately 600 miles away from Guangzhou, the city is pursuing a different vision for public transportation with its pilot program of driverless taxis. Currently operating around 400 autonomous vehicles, the goal is to expand this fleet to over 1,000.
Users can summon a driverless taxi via a smartphone app, enter a PIN, and start their journey. While the system navigates traffic with occasional jerks, many passengers find it a novel and relaxed experience. However, the sophistication of this technology has led the U.S. to consider banning Chinese and Russian driverless technologies due to national security concerns involving data collection from vehicle sensors and cameras.
Despite these concerns, China boasts a significant consumer base domestically. Speaking earlier this year, Chinese Premier Li Qiang affirmed the country’s commitment to becoming a leader in intelligent connected new-energy vehicles and its low-altitude economy.
On the streets of Wuhan, resident Mr. Kim confidently hails a driverless taxi for the first time with his daughter. “We don’t worry because we trust it. It shows how high-tech our city has become,” he said.
Conversely, taxi driver Mr. Deng expressed skepticism, noting that human drivers can adapt to situations on the spot: “It’s certainly not as convenient as cars operated by people. If there’s no driver, the roads will be paralyzed.”
As the world watches, China continues to push the boundaries of transportation technology, paving the way for a transformative future in how we travel.
Credit: Sky News
