Top 7 China Low-Altitude Economy & eVTOL Companies (2025)

China's low-altitude economy has emerged as a strategic national priority, with the State Council designating it as a key growth sector in the 2025 Government Work Report. The market is projected to reach CNY 1.5 trillion by 2030, spanning eVTOL passenger aircraft, cargo drones, agricultural UAVs, and urban air mobility infrastructure. Chinese companies are rapidly advancing from prototype testing to commercial certification, with several eVTOL models receiving airworthiness certificates. This guide ranks the top 7 China low-altitude economy companies leading the aerial revolution.

TL;DR

China's low-altitude economy projected at CNY 1.5 trillion by 2030. Multiple eVTOL companies achieve airworthiness certification. The top 7 companies are: EHang, AutoFlight, TCab Tech, XPeng AeroHT, JAUNT China, Volocopter China, and DJI Enterprise.

Key Insights

EHang (亿航智能)

First certified eVTOL in China (EH216-S)

Pioneer passenger-grade autonomous eVTOL with CAAC type certificate. EH216-S carries 2 passengers for 30km range. Over 40,000 completed test flights globally with commercial operations launching in Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

AutoFlight (峰飞航空)

250km intercity range capability

Develops both passenger eVTOL (V1500M) and cargo aircraft (V50). V1500M targets 250km range with 4-5 passengers. Cargo drones completed 1,000+ km cross-sea delivery demonstration from Shanghai to Jeju.

TCab Tech (时的科技)

200km range, 4 passengers

Focusing on intercity air mobility with tilt-rotor eVTOL design. E20 model targets low operating costs of CNY 3 per passenger-km, making it competitive with ground transportation for 100-200km routes.

XPeng AeroHT (小鹏汇天)

Pre-orders exceed 3,000 units

XPeng Motors' flying car division developing the modular X3 flying car that can both drive on roads and fly. Integrated with XPeng's EV manufacturing capabilities and autonomous driving technology stack.

Jiu Yuan (九天航空)

Government pilot city partnerships

Specializes in low-altitude logistics infrastructure including vertiport design and UTM (Unmanned Traffic Management) systems. Partnering with 15+ cities for low-altitude economy demonstration zones.

DJI Enterprise

70%+ global commercial drone market

Dominates industrial drone applications including agricultural spraying, infrastructure inspection, emergency rescue, and aerial surveying. Matrice series serves as platform for multi-payload mission systems.

Sino Air Mobility (峰飞)

First cargo eVTOL commercial route

Operates China's first commercial eVTOL cargo route between Shenzhen and Zhuhai. Focuses on high-frequency short-haul logistics for time-sensitive goods including medical supplies and e-commerce parcels.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Company	Type	Range / Capacity	Certification Status	Target Market	Timeline
EHang	Passenger eVTOL	30km / 2 pax	CAAC Type Cert	Urban air taxi	Commercial 2025
AutoFlight	Passenger + Cargo	250km / 4-5 pax	In progress	Intercity mobility	2026-2027
TCab Tech	Passenger eVTOL	200km / 4 pax	In progress	Intercity routes	2027
XPeng AeroHT	Flying car	Road + air	Prototype	Consumer market	2026
Jiu Yuan	Infrastructure	Vertiport + UTM	Licensed	City partnerships	Active
DJI Enterprise	Industrial drone	Mission-specific	Certified	Enterprise verticals	Active
Sino Air Mobility	Cargo eVTOL	100km / 100kg	Route approved	Cargo logistics	Commercial 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is China's low-altitude economy?

China's low-altitude economy encompasses all economic activities in airspace below 1,000 meters, including eVTOL passenger transport, drone delivery, agricultural spraying, infrastructure inspection, aerial photography, and related infrastructure like vertiports and UTM systems. The government projects it to reach CNY 1.5 trillion by 2030.

When can I take an eVTOL air taxi in China?

EHang's EH216-S received China's first passenger eVTOL airworthiness certificate and commercial operations began in 2025 in cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Widespread urban air taxi services are expected in major tier-1 cities by 2027-2028 as more models receive certification.

How much will eVTOL flights cost in China?

Initial eVTOL air taxi services are expected to cost CNY 200-500 per trip for short urban routes (10-30km). TCab Tech targets CNY 3 per passenger-km, making intercity flights competitive with high-speed rail for 100-200km distances. Prices are expected to decrease significantly by 2030.

Is China leading globally in eVTOL development?

China is among the global leaders with EHang achieving the world's first passenger eVTOL type certificate and AutoFlight demonstrating record-range cargo flights. Chinese companies benefit from strong government policy support, advanced battery supply chains, and large domestic market demand.

What regulations govern low-altitude flight in China?

The CAAC (Civil Aviation Administration of China) regulates low-altitude airspace. China has progressively opened low-altitude airspace in designated zones and cities. The 2024 Low-Altitude Flight Management regulation establishes a tiered airspace classification system enabling eVTOL and drone operations.