XPENG's "Flying Supercars" to Start Passenger Transportation in 2025
The "flying supercar" designed by China-based XPeng Aeroht and showcased for the first time at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, USA, promises short-distance and low-altitude travel.
The "XPENG AEROHT land-air car" will start accepting pre-orders from the fourth quarter of 2024 and can be delivered to individual customers within a year. This model is designed as a commercial car with two modules. The land module, which is a six-wheeled electric truck, can carry five passengers. The main air module, which is in the form of a drone, is located at the rear tail section of the truck. This section can carry two passengers at low altitudes.
Vertical Takeoff and Landing
The second model, designed for electric vertical takeoff and landing, is named the "XPENG AEROHT eVTOL." This model is closer to the concept of a "flying car" as it can fly on its own. According to experts, in land mode, the caroffers a striking road appearance and seamlessly folds its flight components. When switched to flight mode, it extends its wings, allowing for vertical takeoff and landing.
Offering its user a super sports car experience and capable of opening and closing its four rotor arms to fly at low altitudes, the eVTOL from XPENG is designed to navigate tight spaces and help avoid traffic congestion.
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In land mode, the car seamlessly folds its flight components for road use. When transitioning to flight mode, it extends its arms to facilitate vertical takeoff and landing. This capability provides efficient navigation for short-distance, low-altitude travel in areas with heavy traffic.
The carfeatures a dual-mode cockpit that supports both manual and automatic driving modes and seats two people. The panoramic cockpit, with a 270° view, offers a wide field of vision for both the pilot and the passenger.
The extended-range electric powertrain provides multiple charging options for the air module. The electric propulsion system meets single-point failure safety requirements to ensure travel safety and reliability both on land and in the air..
The car’s land module, which can carry 4-5 passengers, has a 6x6 drivetrain. The air module is suitable for vertical takeoff and low-altitude flight. The modular flying car can be used not only for personal use but also in public services like emergency rescue. It offers an effective solution to meet both private and public demands.
Wang Tan, the co-founder and chief designer of Xpeng Aeroht, shared in an interview with The U.S. Sun, "People are three-dimensional, but transportation remains two-dimensional. In reality, everyone desires to fly and enjoy breathtaking views from a different perspective." He also mentioned that with the eVTOL, drivers could overcome traffic and 'fly away from congested areas.'
Additionally, the flying car is poised to fulfill both public and private requirements, as it can be utilized not just for personal use but also for public services like emergency assistance.
After the regulations, guidelines, and use-case scenarios are fully developed and ready, the eVTOL model will proceed to mass production. In the meantime, XPENG has already launched traditional electric car models such as the P5 and G9, which are currently available in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. The company is also preparing for expansion into other European markets, with Germany being a primary focus.
What will the flying car cost?
Tan, the company's partner, mentioned that the flying car would be priced around $200,000 (approximately 6 million TL) and is expected to go on sale later this year.