Chinese Electronic Vehicle Maker Xpeng Launched First Flying Car

A “flying car” built by Chinese electronic vehicle maker Xpeng Inc (9868.HK) made its first public flight in the United Arab Emirates, as the company works towards launching the electric aircraft on international markets. The X2 is a two-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that is lifted by eight propellers – two at each corner of the vehicle.

Monday’s unmanned, 90-minute test flight in Dubai was described by its manufacturer as an “important base for the next generation of flying cars.” “We are making step-by-step (moves) to the international market,” said Minguan Qiu, general manager of Xpeng Aeroht. “First we selected Dubai city because Dubai is the most innovative city in the world.”

We have been watching flying cars in the movies for decades and reading about them for quite a few years. If industry executives are to be believed, comes 2025, flying cars will be a reality and people will be travelling in flying cars, literally, including in Dubai, one of the richest cities in the world. There are more than 400 flying cars or eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles) companies in the world that are working to make their products safer and more reliable. And most of them are betting on 2025 to be the year of flying cars. “Many countries are pushing towards the 2025 launch of flying cars. We are also planning commercial production of our two-seater model from 2025,” said Tomohiro Fukuzawa, chief executive officer of SkyDrive Inc.

Range and Performance

A two-seater eVTOL aircraft is driven by eight propellers, two of which are located in each corner of the craft. The autonomous two-seater flying car has 760kg of maximum take-off weight and 560kg of empty weight. It has a 35-minute flight time and is constructed of superior carbon fiber material with an airframe parachute. Low-altitude city flights and short-distance city commutes, such as for tourist and medical transportation are ideal.

• Aircraft type: eVTOL multi-copter
• Piloting: Autonomous
• Capacity: 2 passengers
• Maximum speed: 130 kp/h (81 mph)
• Flight Time: 35 minutes
• Cruise altitude: 300-500 m (984-1,640 ft)
• Empty weight: 360 kg (794 lb)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 560 kg (1,235 lb)
• Propellers: 8 propellers
• Motors: 8 electric motors
• Power source: Batteries
• Fuselage: Carbon fiber composite
• Windows: Canopy over the cockpit
• Landing gear: Fixed skid landing

The price range for the Voyager X2 is expected to be in the range of $126,000.00 – $236,000.00. Who would have thought that something that only existed in sci-fi movies would become a reality. According to Mr Qiu, we can expect flying cars to normalize by the year 2025. What’s important to note is that these cars will only exist in the richest of cities. This is because the car due to its high costs can only be afforded by high-net-worth individuals or millionaires.