People have been dreaming about flying cars for almost 100 years whenever they think about the future. Now, lots of companies are working on making flying cars real because go this collective dream. In fact, in places like Dubai, some companies already made the first versions of these flying cars. However, a widely accessible flying car is not currently on the market. Fortunately, you won’t have to wait much longer because Xpeng has announced the launch of the first modular flying car designed for individual mass production.
One of China’s leading electric vehicle
manufacturers, Xpeng, has long been known to be working on a flying car. As we
mentioned recently, the company aims to begin mass production of these flying
cars by the fourth quarter of 2025. The good news is that you won’t have to
wait that long to get your hands on one. Because Xpeng Aeroht has revealed that
you can pre-order its modular flying car in the fourth quarter of 2024, and
deliveries are set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025.
When we say Modular flying car, we
understand that it might be a bit confusing. However, don’t worry because
there’s no catch; this concept is indeed a flying car. Moreover, it addresses
some of the most serious challenges related to this technology. We’re not in a
science fiction movie, so we haven’t developed a magical motor technology to
lift a several-ton car off the ground.
That’s why, in today’s flying cars, we use
the working principle of propellers, similar to the ones used in drones.
However, this design allows it to be more of a giant flying drone than a
conventional car. Xpeng’s modular flying car combines both, as shown in the
concept video above. You can deploy a drone from the car’s trunk whenever you
want, allowing you to realize your dream of a “flying car” to some extent,
technically. The Air module is an electric piloted aircraft with vertical
takeoff capabilities and low-altitude flight. Its electric propulsion system
follows safety standards to prevent single-point failures. The aircraft offers
both manual and automatic driving modes, providing a versatile flying
experience. Additionally, its 270° panoramic two-person cockpit ensures a wide
field of view.
Certainly, there are things we don’t know
about the vehicle, such as who can use it and where. Imagine thousands of
people in your city commuting to work and school in flying cars – the potential
for “traffic accidents” would likely break records throughout the day. However,
usage without a special license is expected to be prohibited within city
limits. Although the flight duration is currently uncertain, it’s anticipated
to be more of an exploration and observation vehicle than a means of
transportation. The video emphasizes this aspect. Nonetheless, who knows, maybe
in the near future, we’ll truly travel everywhere with flying cars.
