Chinese battery giant CATL has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into AutoFlight, a developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. This investment aligns with the rapid development of China’s domestic low-altitude economy, which encompasses industries related to manned and unmanned eVTOL aircraft operating below 1,000 meters.
AutoFlight, based in Shanghai, announced the financing on Saturday but did not disclose the exact amount. This investment positions CATL, headquartered in southeastern Fujian province, as a strategic investor in AutoFlight.
The partnership aims to leverage the companies’ combined resources and technical expertise to advance battery technology for eVTOL vehicles. AutoFlight stated that the collaboration would focus on achieving battery breakthroughs to support longer flight distances, higher load capacities, and significant improvements in safety and stability.
CATL’s investment will accelerate AutoFlight’s research and development efforts and expedite the process of obtaining airworthiness certification in China for its manned Prosperity passenger aircraft. AutoFlight applied for this certification in April. The company’s Carryall craft has already received the type certificate from the Civic Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
Founded in 2017, AutoFlight is one of the early Chinese eVTOL vehicle manufacturers and competes with industry giant EHang, which started in 2014. AutoFlight also operates an R&D facility in Munich, Germany.
AutoFlight’s senior vice-president, Xie Jie, indicated earlier this year that the commercialisation of passenger-carrying eVTOL vehicles is expected to begin in 2026. EHang, meanwhile, has obtained the type certificate, production certificate, and standard airworthiness certificate for its EH216-S unmanned aircraft and is currently applying for the air operator certificate, the final step for launching commercial services in China.
Featured Image courtesy of E-Mobility Engineering
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