New Flying Car from XPENG

November 15, 2024

In an ambitious leap forward in urban mobility, Xpeng AeroHT, the aviation subsidiary of Chinese electric vehicle powerhouse Xpeng, has unveiled the modular "Land Aircraft Carrier," blending ground and aerial transportation in a single vehicle.

This pioneering development positions Xpeng at the forefront of innovation in the electric and aerial automotive industry, embodying China’s emergence as a leading force in futuristic transport solutions. With an eye toward a global impact, including potential interest in markets like the UAE, Xpeng’s flying car project reflects the swift advancement of Chinese companies in defining the future of mobility.

The Land Aircraft Carrier: A Two-Part Marvel

The Land Aircraft Carrier comprises two main elements: the “Mothership,” a three-axle ground vehicle, and a detachable aerial component resembling a large drone. At 5.5 meters in length, the Mothership boasts an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) powertrain built on an 800V platform. Capable of traveling up to 1,000 kilometers in hybrid mode, it offers drivers significant range, while the aircraft, designed for two occupants, can disengage and reattach to the Mothership with the press of a button, requiring only five minutes to reattach. With pre-sales scheduled for December 2024 and an anticipated price under 2 million yuan (about $274,000 USD), mass production is set to commence in 2026, with deliveries shortly thereafter.

A Game-Changer for Urban Mobility and Beyond

The Land Aircraft Carrier is designed to handle both manual and autonomous flight, underscoring Xpeng’s commitment to accessibility and user-friendliness. The manual flight mode, controlled via a single-lever system, is notably easier to operate than traditional helicopters, requiring only three hours of training to master. In autonomous mode, the aircraft offers intelligent features such as route planning, cruise flight, and automatic landing, with additional safety measures like collision warnings and landing visibility aids. On a full charge, the aircraft can perform five to six flights, with the Mothership capable of charging its battery from 30% to 80% in a swift 18 minutes.

Xpeng’s Commitment to Safety and Sustainability

Safety is paramount, with Xpeng integrating full redundancy for all critical systems, ensuring operation even if primary systems fail. The aircraft’s six-rotor design guarantees stability, allowing safe flight even if two motors cease functioning. In addition, Xpeng AeroHT rigorously tests each component, underscoring its commitment to dependable performance. This innovative approach to safety could resonate well in markets like the UAE, where demand for both advanced technology and rigorous safety standards is high.

Significant Pre-Orders Signal Market Demand

Since the Land Aircraft Carrier’s introduction, Xpeng AeroHT has garnered substantial interest, receiving 2,008 pre-orders from 12 major clients, predominantly enterprises. This marks the largest pre-order volume in the global flying car sector. Moreover, the company has seen significant regional interest, including 150 orders from companies in Hangzhou. To meet this demand, Xpeng recently broke ground on a dedicated flying car manufacturing plant, with an annual capacity of 10,000 units, positioning it to dominate the sector upon the vehicle’s release.

The Future of Mobility: Xpeng’s Vision and Potential UAE Impact

Xpeng AeroHT envisions a phased rollout for urban air travel, starting with limited-use vehicles like the Land Aircraft Carrier for public services, followed by long-range eVTOL aircraft for urban transit, and ultimately a fully integrated land-air vehicle for seamless 3D transportation within cities. This visionary approach aligns with the UAE’s commitment to advanced mobility solutions, and Xpeng’s entry could spark similar innovations within the region, influencing the automotive landscape and consumer expectations.

Xpeng’s Land Aircraft Carrier represents not only a major technical achievement but also the rising influence of Chinese innovation in shaping the global future of transport. With a blend of luxury, efficiency, and pioneering technology, Xpeng has set a new standard in modular transport, highlighting China’s potential to redefine mobility worldwide—including in the rapidly evolving UAE market.