Every year at CES, we get to see at least a few flying car concepts that promise to revolutionize urban transportation forever. This year’s edition of the biggest and most powerful tech event in the world is no different. Chinese automobile company XPeng’s electric aviation business arm AeroHT has showcased not one but two flying car concepts, which are very different in their design and approach. The one that caught our attention is the modular “Land Aircraft Carrier,” which the company says will enter mass production soon. Haven’t we heard that before? Just about all such concepts have turned out to be pipe dreams. Nevertheless, the concept is not only pretty cool but is also slightly more realistic.
The Land Aircraft Carrier is designed like a futuristic-looking van with 6×6 all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering. Like all other XPeng vehicles and concepts, the modular car features an all-electric powertrain. However, there are no details on the motors or the battery pack powering them.
The highlight of the vehicle is its unique two-part design, which can seamlessly switch between terrestrial and aerial modes. The van basically acts as a Ground Module for a tiny two-person helicopter dubbed the Air Module.
According to the company, the aircraft is capable of vertical takeoff/landing and low-altitude flights, and its electric propulsion system meets single-point failure safety requirements. Furthermore, the eVTOL supports manual and autonomous flight modes. XPeng says it is “dedicated to producing the safest intelligent electric flying car for personal use.” While the pricing has not been revealed, the company’s founder, He Xiaopeng, said the carrier would be priced in the RMB 1 million segment ($140,500). XPeng says it will start accepting pre-orders by the fourth quarter of this year.
