Xpeng Aero HT Unveils Its Groundbreaking Modular Flying Car
At the CES 2025, Xpeng Aero HT, a subsidiary of the Chinese EV innovator Xpeng, introduced an intriguing addition to the future of transportation: the Land Aircraft Carrier. Imagine an electric minivan that houses a compact eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle in its back. This isn’t just a concept; it’s a flying car ready to roll out and take to the skies.
- 3,000 orders have already been secured for this innovative vehicle.
- The price is set at “below $300,000.”
- Mass production is slated to begin this year with deliveries in 2026.
“The Land Aircraft Carrier targets thrill-seekers and can serve emergency search and rescue operations,” said an Aero HT spokesperson.
{Xpeng Aero HT}
The Land Aircraft Carrier is designed for functionality. It allows you to drive both the car and eVTOL to a suitable site, where a simple command launches the small aircraft into flight. Upon landing, it reconnects seamlessly, folding back into its vehicle ‘mothership.’ It’s futuristic yet practical—just drive, launch, and fly.
While some may see this as ambitious, Brian Gu, vice chairman and president of Xpeng, assures us that the vehicle has its type certification. This signifies readiness for production following a successful crewed flight demonstration.
Scaling Production and Future Plans
Aero HT’s Guangzhou facility is on track to produce up to 10,000 units annually once construction completes this year. With $150 million secured in Series B1 financing last year, Aero HT appears financially well-prepared to tackle this feat.
- In 2021, they raised $500 million in Series A funding.
- For comparison: Beta Technologies has raised $1.15 billion; Joby Aviation $2.8 billion; Archer over $3 billion.
The Road Ahead: Phases of Innovation
Xpeng’s vision extends beyond the Land Aircraft Carrier. Future phases include developing high-speed tiltrotor flying cars and integrating them into urban air mobility networks.
“We aim for seamless land-air urban transportation systems,” states Xpeng Aero HT.
{Xpeng Aero HT}
The Design and Functionality
The ground module is reminiscent of a lunar rover with sleek lines, six wheels, and advanced features like dual-swing automatic doors. It serves as a mobile supercharging station for the eVTOL, ensuring it’s always flight-ready.
- The eVTOL offers a panoramic carbon fiber cockpit with advanced safety features.
- Its dual-duct six-rotor design ensures reliability and efficiency.
Flying it should be straightforward. While certification is necessary, Xpeng promises user-friendly operations with single-stick control and autonomous flight capabilities. The company is currently testing 200 units under various conditions to ensure safety and reliability.
“With features like one-touch takeoff and real-time airspace monitoring, even novice pilots can soar with confidence,” says Xpeng.
{Xpeng}
The Verdict
Xpeng’s bold step into modular flying cars signals an exciting era of innovation. Whether they can deliver on these promises remains to be seen, but their CES announcement certainly has captured attention worldwide. Stay tuned as we watch this space evolve!
