Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The low-altitude economy is expected to take off in 2025 with the issuance of the first operating licenses, leading to a new era in transportation [1] - The Global Urban Air Mobility (UAM) market is projected to grow from US$5 billion to US$24 billion by 2030, driven by commercial services [2] - The low-altitude economy encompasses various sectors including transport, logistics, agriculture, and emergency services [2] Market Dynamics - The cumulative order backlog for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (EVTOL) aircraft has surpassed 18,000 units as of the end of 2024, reflecting a 27% year-over-year increase [2] - The global helicopter market has a Total Addressable Market (TAM) of US$40 billion, with EVTOL expected to be several times larger due to lower costs [2] Regulatory Environment - Regulatory support has been crucial, with favorable regulations and accelerated certification processes emerging since the second half of 2023 [3] - EHang is the only company to have received type, production, and airworthiness certificates from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) [3][39] - In the US, companies like Joby and Archer are making significant progress in the certification process [3] Technological Advancements - Advances in battery technology, particularly in energy density and power density, have been key enablers for EVTOL development [4] - Current battery technology allows EVTOLs to carry 2-4 passengers over distances of 300 km, with future advancements expected to support ranges of 2,000-3,000 km [4] Cost Structure and Market Potential - EVTOLs are expected to significantly reduce travel costs compared to helicopters, with potential trip costs of US$0.5-1.5 per seat-km [5] - The initial use case for EVTOLs is anticipated to be tourism, expanding to mass transportation in congested areas over time [5] Competitive Landscape - Chinese companies benefit from regulatory support and lower costs, while US companies focus on long-haul transport [6] - EHang, with a market cap exceeding US$5 billion, is a leader in the EVTOL space, having achieved commercial deliveries [6] Investment Implications - The low-altitude economy is positioned as a disruptive technology, with the potential to open air travel to the masses [9] - The market for urban air mobility could grow to over US$40 billion by 2035, with EHang leading in regulatory approvals in Asia [9] Infrastructure and Support - The low-altitude economy requires critical infrastructure such as flight command-and-control centers, communication networks, and takeoff/landing platforms [20] - Local governments in China are providing substantial funding and subsidies to support the development of the low-altitude economy [52] Future Outlook - The integration of autonomous flight technology and AI is expected to enhance the efficiency and safety of low-altitude operations [26] - The market for EVTOLs is projected to grow significantly, with estimates of cumulative units in service ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 by 2030 [27] Conclusion - The low-altitude economy is on the verge of commercialization, driven by regulatory support, technological advancements, and significant market potential [9][20]