Autel Drones Weight Class in the UK — All Models

Complete Autel Weight Class Comparison Table

The table below shows every current Autel drone model and how its weight affects UK drone rules. The 250g threshold is the single most important dividing line in UK drone law — it determines whether you need an Operator ID, how close you can fly to people and buildings, and where you can legally operate.

The 250g Threshold — Why It Matters So Much

The 250g line is the most consequential weight boundary in UK drone regulation. It separates drones that can fly freely near people and buildings (A1) from those that must maintain a 150-metre buffer from all built-up areas (A3).

Here is exactly what changes when a drone crosses from under 250g to over 250g:

For the Autel range, this means the EVO Nano+ stands alone as the only model with access to the more relaxed A1 rules. The EVO Lite+, EVO II V3, EVO II Pro V3, and EVO Max 4T all share the same A3 restrictions regardless of their substantial weight differences — an 835g Lite+ faces identical flying constraints to a 1,670g Max 4T.

Model-by-Model Breakdown

EVO Nano+ (249g) — The Urban Flyer

The EVO Nano+ is Autel's only sub-250g option. Its 249g MTOM places it just under the threshold, granting access to A1 rules. This means you can fly in towns, near buildings, and over uninvolved people (though not over crowds or assemblies). For personal recreational use, no Operator ID is needed — just a free Flyer ID.

The trade-off is a shorter 28-minute flight time and a smaller sensor compared to heavier models. But for urban photography, property shots, and content creation in populated areas, the regulatory freedom often outweighs the hardware limitations.

EVO Lite+ (835g) — The Rural Specialist

At 835g, the EVO Lite+ offers a 50MP camera and 40 minutes of flight time. It excels in landscape photography and rural videography where the 150-metre buffer is easily maintained. Both Flyer ID and Operator ID are required. Its lack of class marking confines it to A3.

EVO II V3 (1,175g) — The 8K Workhorse

The EVO II V3 delivers 8K video resolution and 42 minutes of flight time. At 1,175g, it sits firmly in A3. Both registrations are required. Its higher resolution makes it suitable for detailed mapping and survey work in rural or open areas where the 150-metre buffer is manageable.

EVO II Pro V3 (1,195g) — The Professional Standard

Only 20g heavier than the standard EVO II V3, the Pro version adds a 6K camera with adjustable aperture for superior low-light performance. Same A3 rules, same registration requirements. The additional camera capabilities make it popular with professional photographers and filmmakers working in open locations.

EVO Max 4T (1,670g) — The Enterprise Platform

The heaviest Autel drone at 1,670g, the Max 4T carries thermal, zoom, wide-angle, and laser rangefinder sensors. It is designed for infrastructure inspection, search and rescue, security, and industrial applications. A3 rules apply, and enterprise operators frequently need a Specific Category Operational Authorisation (OA) to fly near buildings and infrastructure where their work demands it.

Choosing the Right Autel Drone for Your UK Needs

The decision between Autel models often comes down to where you intend to fly, not just what camera you want.

• Urban and suburban flying: The EVO Nano+ is the only practical choice. A1 rules let you operate in populated areas without a 150-metre buffer. Every other model would require you to find open spaces far from buildings.
• Countryside and landscape: The EVO Lite+ or EVO II Pro V3 deliver superior image quality with long flight times. The 150-metre A3 restriction is rarely a problem in rural settings.
• Professional surveying and mapping: The EVO II V3 (8K) or EVO II Pro V3 (6K adjustable aperture) provide the resolution needed for detailed aerial surveys. Consider whether you will need an OA for work near structures.
• Enterprise and inspection: The EVO Max 4T's thermal and multi-sensor payload is purpose-built for infrastructure work. Budget for a GVC qualification and OA application if your operations require proximity to buildings.

Transitional Period and Future Changes

All Autel models except the sub-250g Nano+ currently operate under the UK's transitional provisions for drones without UKCA class markings. The CAA allows these legacy drones to fly in the Open Category under A3 rules during the transitional period.

If Autel obtains UKCA class markings (C0 through C4) for any of its models in the future, those drones could potentially move to less restrictive subcategories. A C2-marked EVO Lite+, for example, could fly in A2 with only a 30-metre distance from uninvolved people — a substantial improvement over the current 150-metre A3 requirement.

Until class markings are obtained, weight class determines registration requirements, but not subcategory placement. All unmarked drones above 250g share the same A3 rules regardless of weight.