Joby Aviation

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

The Joby S4 and EHang EH216-S represent fundamentally different approaches to urban air mobility. Joby is a high-performance, piloted tilt-rotor designed for longer routes at 200 mph with 150-mile range. EHang is a compact, fully autonomous multirotor built for short scenic and urban trips up to 22 miles. EHang has the distinction of being the first eVTOL to receive type certification (CAAC, October 2024) and is already operating commercially in China. Joby offers vastly more capability but is still completing FAA certification. The choice isn't really between them — they serve completely different market segments.

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
FAA certification ~85% complete
EHang EH216-S
CAAC certified (Oct 2024)
Expected Service
Joby S4
Dubai Q2 2026 (Launching Now)
EHang EH216-S
Operating in China
Ticket Price
Joby S4
$50–$200
EHang EH216-S
$30–$100
Key Partners
Joby S4
Toyota, Delta Air Lines, Dubai RTA
EHang EH216-S
CAAC, Chinese tourism operators

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

First certified eVTOL
EHang received CAAC type certification in October 2024 — a historic milestone. It is already operating commercially, providing real revenue and operational data.
Fully autonomous
No pilot needed reduces operating costs and eliminates the pilot shortage constraint that limits all piloted eVTOL operations.
Lower ticket prices
$30–$100 per trip thanks to autonomous operation and simpler design, making it more accessible for tourism and short urban hops.
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
StatusFAA certification ~85% complete
PartnersToyota, Delta Air Lines, Dubai RTA
Learn more about Joby Aviation

EHang

AircraftEHang EH216-S
ConfigurationMultirotor (Autonomous)
StatusCAAC certified (Oct 2024)
PartnersCAAC, Chinese tourism operators
Learn more about EHang

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EHang EH216-S really autonomous — no pilot at all?
Yes. The EHang EH216-S is a fully autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) with no pilot on board. Passengers enter, select their destination from pre-programmed routes, and the aircraft handles all flight operations automatically. A ground-based command center monitors all flights in real-time and can intervene if needed. It received type certification from China's CAAC in October 2024.
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?
Both approaches have safety advantages. Piloted eVTOLs like the Joby S4 benefit from human judgment in unexpected situations. Autonomous eVTOLs like the EHang EH216-S eliminate human error, which is the leading cause of aviation accidents. Both use redundant systems (multiple motors, backup batteries, fly-by-wire controls). The answer may depend on regulatory maturity and public trust, which is still evolving.

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