Joby AviationVerified Partner

Joby S4

VS
EHang

EHang EH216-S

Joby S4 vs EHang EH216-S: Complete eVTOL Comparison 2026

Compare Aircraft / Joby S4 vs EHang EH216-S

Quick Verdict

Joby's piloted tilt-rotor and EHang's pilotless multicopter target different operations. Joby's September 2026 release describes continuing FAA certification work. EHang's March 30, 2025 release describes operator approvals for tourism and sightseeing at related Guangzhou and Hefei sites. The previous Shenzhen–Hong Kong scheduled-service claim is withdrawn as unverified. Design specifications alone do not establish which aircraft is suitable or legally available for a particular journey.

Side-by-Side Specifications

Company
Joby S4
Joby Aviation
EHang EH216-S
EHang
Configuration
Joby S4
Tilt-Rotor
EHang EH216-S
Multirotor (Autonomous)
Passengers
Joby S4
4 + pilot
EHang EH216-S
2 (no pilot)
Max Speed
Joby S4
200 mph
EHang EH216-S
80 mph
Range
Joby S4
150 miles
EHang EH216-S
22 miles
Cruise Altitude
Joby S4
1,500–4,000 ft
EHang EH216-S
300–1,000 ft
Noise Level
Joby S4
~45 dB at 500m
EHang EH216-S
~70 dB
Certification
Joby S4
September 10, 2026 company report: fifth-stage FAA work continuing; no June TC verified
EHang EH216-S
CAAC fully certified — TC + AC + PC + OC (world's first full suite)
Expected Service
Joby S4
Dubai Mid-2026 (Testing Active)
EHang EH216-S
March 2025 operator approvals for related Guangzhou/Hefei sites; confirm current availability
Ticket Price
Joby S4
$50–$200
EHang EH216-S
Current operator fare not verified
Key Partners
Joby S4
Toyota, Delta Air Lines, Dubai RTA
EHang EH216-S
CAAC, Guangzhou/Hefei operators, Thailand CAAT

Where Each Excels

Joby S4

Far greater range and speed
150 miles at 200 mph vs 22 miles at 80 mph — Joby can serve airport transfers and regional routes that EHang simply cannot reach.
Higher passenger capacity
4 passengers plus a pilot vs 2 passengers with no pilot. Joby can serve more riders per flight and handle group travel.
Major airline partnerships
Delta Air Lines and Toyota partnerships provide distribution, manufacturing, and credibility advantages.
Experienced human pilot
Having a trained pilot aboard provides an additional safety layer and passenger confidence, especially in early market adoption.

EHang EH216-S

Design and operator approvals
The EH216-S type certificate dates to October 2023. EHang announced certificates for two named operators in March 2025; those approvals are distinct from design certification.
Fully autonomous
No pilot needed reduces operating costs and eliminates the pilot shortage constraint that limits all piloted eVTOL operations.
Fare evidence needed
A current operator fare has not been verified. Pilotless operation alone does not establish a lower passenger price.
Proven commercial operations
Already carrying paying passengers in multiple Chinese cities, EHang has real-world operational experience that others lack.

Best For Each Use Case

Airport transfers (30+ mi)
Joby S4
EHang's 22-mile range cannot reach most airport-to-city routes. Joby's 150-mile range handles these easily.
Tourism and scenic flights
EHang EH216-S
EHang's autonomous operation and lower cost make it ideal for scenic tours and tourist experiences.
Short urban hops (5–15 mi)
EHang EH216-S
For short intra-city trips, EHang's lower cost and autonomous operation offer a simpler, cheaper solution.
Cross-city commuting
Joby S4
Joby's speed, range, and capacity make it practical for daily commuting across metropolitan areas.

About the Manufacturers

Joby Aviation

AircraftJoby S4
ConfigurationTilt-Rotor
StatusSeptember 10, 2026 company report: fifth-stage FAA work continuing; no June TC verified
PartnersToyota, Delta Air Lines, Dubai RTA
Learn more about Joby Aviation

EHang

AircraftEHang EH216-S
ConfigurationMultirotor (Autonomous)
StatusCAAC fully certified — TC + AC + PC + OC (world's first full suite)
PartnersCAAC, Guangzhou/Hefei operators, Thailand CAAT
Learn more about EHang

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EHang EH216-S really autonomous — no pilot at all?
The EH216-S has no onboard pilot. Its CAAC type certificate dates to October 2023; named operator approvals announced in March 2025 concern related sightseeing sites. Pilotless operation does not imply passengers may select arbitrary destinations.
Can I fly an EHang in the United States?
Not yet. The EHang EH216-S is currently only certified by China's CAAC and operates commercially in China. EHang has expressed interest in international expansion, but FAA certification for autonomous passenger aircraft in the US would require a separate, likely lengthy regulatory process. Joby S4 is pursuing FAA certification and will be available in the US market.
Which is safer, a piloted or autonomous eVTOL?
This review does not establish a safety ranking. Autonomy changes failure modes; it does not eliminate human errors in software, maintenance or operations. Comparable safety evidence and the applicable approved operating scope are necessary.

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