Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

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Charles Alcock

Latest news about Chinese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer EHang

EHang is seeking higher-performance electric propulsion systems for its eVTOL aircraft. On November 11, the Chinese company announced a technology development partnership with Zhuhai Enpower Electric, which specializes in electric motors and motor controllers.
The announcement did not specify whether the new propulsion systems would be deployed on EHang’s existing two-seat, autonomous EH216-S eVTOL vehicle and the larger VT-30 model it has in development. The companies also did not indicate what targets they might have for boosting range and payload for the battery-electric aircraft.
Enpower mainly provides power systems for automotive companies worldwide. It was founded in 2005 and is listed on the ChiNext Market of the Shenzhen stock exchange.
According to EHang, the joint work will focus on creating new electric motor drive systems that can be certified for aviation applications. The partners will tap Enpower’s integrated core technology to develop motors and controllers that are lightweight and high in power density and offer superior cooling performance.
<h2>eVTOL Takeoff in Thailand</h2>
Last week, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-08-22/increased-evtol-aircraft-deliveries-boost-ehangs-bottom-line">EHang</a> made its first passenger-carrying demonstration flights with the EH216-S in Thailand. The vehicle was operated from the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok under a special permit issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT).
The demonstration was part of the Thailand Drone Exhibition &amp; Symposium and was witnessed by officials from Thailand’s Ministry of Transport, the CAAT, and the Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Passengers included Phasu Manipanti, CEO of EHang’s local partner Sky Image Tech, and Sorasit Thongjeen, a pilot with Bangkok Airways.
According to CAAT’s director, Suttipong Kongpool, the agency is preparing to support the launch of eVTOL flight operations in Thailand next year under the country’s “urban air mobility roadmap development plan.” EHang said it expects the first Thai locations for commercial air services to include Phuket and Koh Samui.
“We aim to apply our pilotless eVTOL products and solutions in the Southeast Asian market,” said EHang’s CFO, Conor Yang. “In the future, with the strong support of the CAAT, we will cooperate with our local partners to formulate a model for regular operations in Thailand, contributing to the development of the urban air mobility market in Southeast Asia and worldwide.”

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EHang and Enpower Seek Higher-performance eVTOL Electric Propulsion Systems

Chinese eVTOL aircraft manufacturer has also made its first passenger demonstration flights in Thailand

EHang hasn't said how much extra range and payload Enpower's electric propulsion systems might deliver for its eVTOL aircraft or when these will enter service.

EHang Seeks Higher-performance eVTOL Electric Propulsion Systems

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