TECH

China’s eVTOL Makers Turn to Hybrid Power to Boost Range and Cut Costs

Published: Nov. 7, 2025 4:45 a.m. GMT+8

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The Inflync L600 Pioneer concept eVTOL aircraft on display at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai on Nov. 6, 2025.

Chinese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) developers are increasingly turning to hybrid power systems to extend range and lower long-term operating costs, a trend showcased by several companies at recent industry events.

At the China International Import Expo in Shanghai on Wednesday, Inflync Aviation Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. unveiled its full-size hybrid eVTOL prototype, the L600, which has a top speed of 360 kilometers per hour and a maximum range of 600 kilometers — far beyond the roughly 200- kilometers limit of battery-only models.

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Chinese eVTOL developers are shifting to hybrid power for extended range and lower costs, as shown by prototype launches from Inflync Aviation and XPeng AeroHT.
Battery-only eVTOLs face range and cost limitations, with battery packs costing about $140,000 to replace and needing up to 14 replacements in 20 years.
No hybrid eVTOL has been certified in China yet; however, regulatory progress is underway, with the first type certificate application accepted in September 2024.

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Who’s Who

Inflync Aviation Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.: Inflync Aviation Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. is a Chinese eVTOL developer. They showcased their full-size hybrid eVTOL prototype, the L600, at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai. The L600 boasts a top speed of 360 km/h and an impressive 600 km range, significantly extending beyond battery-only models. Inflync Aviation aims to apply for certification for its L600 between late 2025 and early 2026.

XPeng AeroHT: XPeng AeroHT, the flying car subsidiary of XPeng Inc., presented its hybrid eVTOL prototype, the A868, at its annual Tech Day event. This highlights the company's move towards hybrid power systems in eVTOL technology, aligning with a broader trend among Chinese developers to extend range and reduce operating costs compared to battery-only models.

EHang Holdings Ltd.: EHang Holdings Ltd. (亿航智能) is a Chinese eVTOL developer that currently focuses on all-electric designs. While they have obtained airworthiness certification for their pure-electric models, the article notes that limitations in battery technology are hindering large-scale commercial deployment due to frequent charging and high battery replacement costs.

Shanghai AutoFlight Co. Ltd: Shanghai AutoFlight Co. Ltd. (上海峰飞航空科技有限公司) is a Chinese eVTOL developer. They are mentioned as one of the players in China's eVTOL market that is pursuing all-electric designs. AutoFlight has obtained airworthiness certification for their pure-electric models, which is a step towards commercial operations for their aircraft.

Shanghai Volant Aerotech Co. Ltd.: Shanghai Volant Aerotech Co. Ltd. is mentioned as one of the companies in China's eVTOL market that is pursuing all-electric designs. Despite the growing trend towards hybrid power systems to extend range and lower costs, Shanghai Volant Aerotech has opted for battery-electric models.

Vertaxi: Vertaxi (沃兰特航空) is a Chinese eVTOL developer. They are mentioned as one of the players in China's eVTOL market that is currently pursuing all-electric designs. The article highlights that battery-electric models, like those from Vertaxi, currently dominate the market.

Sinolink Securities Co. Ltd.: Sinolink Securities Co. Ltd. is a financial services company. A report by Sinolink Securities estimated that an eVTOL flying eight times daily for 20 years could require as many as 14 battery replacements due to the limited lifespan of battery packs.

Dream Chasing Sky Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd.: Dream Chasing Sky Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd. (禾赛科技有限公司) is an eVTOL developer in China that is backing range-extended hybrid eVTOLs. The company's DF600 hybrid model was the first to have its type certificate application accepted by China's Civil Aviation Administration on September 24.

Blue Sky Aviation: Blue Sky Aviation is a Chinese company that is developing extended-range hybrid eVTOLs. This approach, like that of other companies listed in the article, aims to address the limitations of battery-only models, such as restricted flight range and high battery replacement costs, by incorporating hybrid power systems.

Muyutian Aviation: Muyutian Aviation is a Chinese company mentioned in the article that supports the development of range-extended hybrid eVTOLs. This indicates their interest in and potential involvement with hybrid power systems in the electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft industry. The article highlights a growing trend in China towards these hybrid models due to their extended range and lower long-term operating costs compared to battery-only alternatives.

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What Happened When

May 2025：: U.K.-based Vertical Aerospace announced plans to develop hybrid eVTOL models.

2025-09-24：: China’s Civil Aviation Administration accepted a type certificate application from Dream Chasing Sky Technology for its DF600 hybrid model, the country’s first such application.

September 2025：: GE Aerospace said it would co-develop a turbine-based generator system with U.S. eVTOL company BETA Technologies to power hybrid aircraft.

2025-11-05：: Inflync Aviation Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. unveiled its full-size hybrid eVTOL prototype, the L600, at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.