Observation: the dilemma and cultural difference behind the eVTOL field

This is a reply to Mark Moore’s post here.

Thank you for sharing the news about eHang and its recent steps towards CAAC certification. I appreciate the insight, but I’d like to offer an alternative perspective, as I believe the post might be presenting an opinion as a definitive statement:

1. Innovation vs. Regulation: History shows us that innovation often outpaces regulations. This gap isn’t unique to the eVTOL sector but is evident in fields like data privacy, AI, and space exploration. Particularly in developing countries, this lag might be more pronounced.
2. Localized Regulations: Every country has its regulatory nuances, molded by cultural, historical, and socio-economic factors. It’s not always a straightforward comparison. For instance, traffic rules differ across nations. Similarly, a product’s regulatory journey can vary significantly based on its origin.
3. Seeking Transparency: I firmly believe in regulatory transparency and open dialogue. Labeling the CAAC’s process as ‘propaganda’ without detailed insights may not provide the full picture. An open-minded examination is crucial here.
4. Safety at the Forefront: My understanding is that the Chinese government places a high value on public safety. Without specific details on the CAAC’s methods or eHang’s practices, making definitive statements about safety concerns might be premature.
5. The ‘First’ Debate: Being the first in any domain has its merits. However, the real test is in consistent performance and global adaptability. Foreign brands have traditionally found favor in the Chinese market, presenting opportunities for eVTOL entities worldwide. The first CAAC certificated US eVTOL brand, or the first US certificated eVTOL brand are still up for grab. Being first isn’t that meaningful outside FMCG industry.
6. Reflection on the Journey: I’ve been keenly following your mission since 2018. Crafting a product that meets market needs and regulatory criteria is undeniably challenging. I wish you the best of luck and am happy to help if you are interested to learn about the local regulation and evaluate the business opportunity

In wrapping up, while I understand and respect the viewpoint shared in the original post, I find myself disagreeing with some of its premises. It’s essential to approach such significant industry milestones with a balanced perspective and a deeper dive into the facts. With that said, if anyone is keen to explore local regulations further or evaluate potential business opportunities in the region, I’m open and willing to assist. Let’s approach these developments with an open mind and collaborative spirit.

— — — — — — — — — —

I couldn’t finish this piece without the help of chatGPT. You may tell the difference from the original notes below:

Here is my perspective before you overstate an opinion as a statement.

1. There is always a lag in regulation compared to innovation. For example, monopolization, data privacy in the digital era, AI safety and IP right in the recent gen AI trend, FAA rule, ITAR restriction for Space X, … The lag is sometimes more sever in developing countries.

2. Regulations are always localized. The rules can be different, or sometimes absurd due to culture difference. One extreme case is you cannot expect people to drive on right-hand side in UK, Japan, etc. The same situation will happen when a Chinese product wants to circulate in the US market.

3. I’m totally in line with regulation transparancy. I’m not familiar with eVTOL industry but I may help if you are interested to learn about the local regulation and evaluate the business opportunity. It is unfair to claim CAAC regulatory process as Chinese propaganda unless the door is closed or the rules are discriminating (but you may need to make effort on evaluating the cultural difference). As a personal opinion, public policies are usually enforced in favor of foreign entities. Chinese culture focuses on introspection and self-fulfillment, which cultivate humble and modesty instead of expressive and persuasive.

4. You will be surprised how seriously the Chinese government values public safety. One cannot complain about the civil rights violation due to strict surveillance and safety measure, while ignoring the security from low crime rate. Again, I don’t have the domain expertise to comment on CAAS certification and eHang. But I won’t worry it manifests and causes a noticable public safety risk. Anything involving public safety has an extremely high stake for risk-takers.

5. Don’t worry too much about being first. There is still chance in being the first CAAS certificated foreign eVTOL company, or being the first US certificated eVTOL company (I assume the difficulty for eHang to get US certificated will be much higher than the other way around). Not to mention that the Chinese market has a tendency to value foreign products/brands more due to historical market dynamic. (It takes so much effort for local smartphone companies to build a high-end brand and being recognized.) Use this as your advantage, but don’t take it as granted forever. The execution efficiency in a country with high educated population density and full-stack industrial supply chain.

6. I’ve been a follower since 2018 when you are working for Uber. Building a working eVTOL product with market validation & pass regulation is hard. Wish you the best of luck!