Brazil achieved a major breakthrough in air mobility with the first successful flight of a flying car, the EH216-S, in São Paulo. The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, developed by EHang and operated in partnership with Brazil’s Gohobby, completed test flights at Aeroquadra, highlighting Brazil’s push for cleaner and more efficient transportation solutions.
| Aircraft Model | EH216-S |
| Developer | EHang |
| Local Partner | Gohobby |
| Location | Quadra, São Paulo, Brazil |
| Flight Duration | 6 minutes (1st flight), 3 minutes (2nd flight) |
| Distance Covered | 1.7 km (1st flight), 700 m (2nd flight) |
| Purpose | Testing urban air mobility potential |
Role in Green Urban Mobility
The EH216-S, a compact, zero-emission flying car, promises a sustainable solution to urban congestion. Powered entirely by electricity, it can carry two passengers and reach speeds up to 130 km/h.
The aircraft features wireless control systems and an emergency reroute function, providing a safe alternative to conventional city travel. With regulatory support from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), this test aims to pave the way for flying cars to become a common mode of transportation.
Path Forward for Flying Cars in Brazil
With over 50,000 trial flights conducted worldwide, EHang’s first Brazilian flight is part of a broader campaign to gather essential data for a future in urban air mobility. These developments position Brazil as a leader in Latin America’s shift to sustainable city travel, creating possibilities for regular flying car operations above São Paulo and beyond.
The partnership between EHang and Gohobby represents Brazil’s aim to lead in sustainable aviation. Beyond passenger transport, flying cars could support cargo delivery and emergency response in crowded cities like São Paulo, where fast, reliable travel is crucial(especially as it is among the most crowded cities in South America).
🌏🚁EHang’s EH216-S successfully completed its first eVTOL flight with passengers in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, marking an important milestone for the region. This advanced aircraft will play an important role in the region’s tourism and disaster relief efforts in the near… pic.twitter.com/qMJf5zUqre
— EHang (@ehang) October 3, 2024
Once fully operational, a network of flying cars could make a big dent in Brazil’s issues with pollution and heavy traffic while also improving response times in emergencies.
