28 October 2021
Chinese car maker Xpeng has revealed it is working on a road-capable flying car using eVTOL technology developed by its affiliate company HT Aero.
Images released by Xpeng show what looks like a high tech supercar, such as the latest Bugatti Bolide, with outstretched arms holding rotors for vertical takeoff and landing. These are foldable for road use.
HT Aero is developing an electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and recently raised $500 million in its first funding round. That’s more than its Chinese rival Ehang which already has a flying prototype.
Xpeng’s flying car with rotors folded
The yet-to-be-named Xpeng flying car was announced at the company’s ‘Tech Day’ recently when it also talked about its advanced electric car technology, fast battery recharging network and high-tech self-driving car technology, all of which will have a part to play in its aviation dreams.
“The new model [flying car] will be built on HT Aero’s successful record of 15,000+ safe flights completed to date, fully in-house developed R&D, and multi-level safety redundancy design,” said Xpeng.
The company said the flying car would be ready for roll-out in 2024, although getting it certified for flight might take a little longer. Price is said to be $157,000.
The announcement has met with incredulity in some corners of the eVTOL world, including Mark Moore, CEO of Whisper Aero. His post on LinkedIn is below.
