EV World Si Exclusive | China's Certified 2-Ton eVTOL vs. Western Rivals

By EVWorld.com Si Editorial Team

By EV World Si | August 1, 2025

China's Milestone Achievement

AutoFlight's CarryAll V2000CG has stunned the aviation world as the first two-ton electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to receive triple airworthiness certification. With a 400 kg (880 lb) payload, 124-mile range, and 124 mph top speed, the unmanned aircraft is designed for cargo logistics, disaster response, and emergency supply delivery.

How It Compares to Western Competitors

While AutoFlight leads on certification, its performance sits between more advanced Western platforms and earlier experimental designs.

Beta Technologies Alia-250 (U.S.)

• Type: eVTOL/CTOL hybrid
• Payload: ~635 kg (1,400 lbs)
• Range: ~250 miles (400 km)
• Speed: ~170 mph (274 km/h)
• Status: FAA testing, orders from UPS for cargo, medevac, and passenger roles

Beta's Alia boasts greater payload and range, positioning it as a multi-role aircraft for logistics and passenger transport. But certification is still years away.

Airbus Alpha Electro (Europe)

• Type: CTOL trainer
• Seats: 2 (pilot + trainee)
• Range: ~80 miles (130 km), ~1 hour flight time
• Speed: ~157 km/h (85 knots)
• Status: Program discontinued, served as a proof-of-concept

Airbus' Alpha Electro had limited range and payload but laid early groundwork for electric aviation. It remains an R&D stepping stone, not a commercial hauler.

Why AutoFlight Matters

Though its payload is lower than Beta?s and its range shorter, AutoFlight's CarryAll is the first in its class to be certified and market-ready. This gives China a regulatory head start in the fast-growing low-altitude economy while signaling to the West that commercialization, not just prototypes, is the new competitive frontier.

Takeaway for EVWorld Readers

AutoFlight's achievement underscores the accelerating global race in electric aviation. China's certification breakthrough is symbolic and strategic. The U.S. and Europe remain technologically competitive, but lag on regulatory milestones - highlighting the tension between innovation speed and safety oversight.

Sources

• AutoFlight Official Site
• Electrek: AutoFlight Delivers Certified 2-Ton eVTOL
• FlightGlobal: Beta Alia-250 eVTOL Progress
• Airbus: Electric Aircraft Projects
• TechCrunch: Beta eVTOL Cargo Ops

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