XPeng Aero HT 'Flying Car' Unveiled at CES 2025

Xpeng Aero HT Unveils the Land Aircraft Carrier Flying Car

At CES 2025, Xpeng Aero HT, the aviation arm of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng, introduced its innovative “modular flying car,” known as the Land Aircraft Carrier. This vehicle essentially combines an electric minivan with a compact, foldable eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft housed within its rear section, capable of being deployed for flight.

Initial Orders and Production Plans

The company reports already securing 3,000 expressions of intent for the vehicle. Mass production is slated to commence this year, with initial customer deliveries anticipated in 2026. According to an Aero HT representative, potential buyers include affluent individuals seeking novel experiences, as well as organizations involved in emergency search and rescue operations. The Land Aircraft Carrier is priced at under $300,000.

Aero HT intends to initially launch the vehicle within the Chinese market, with consideration for international expansion following suit.

A Hybrid Approach to Flight

Unlike previous, more futuristic designs presented by Xpeng, this model adopts a more pragmatic, hybrid strategy for achieving flight. Instead of necessitating a dedicated and costly hangar, the Aero HT invention allows for driving the vehicle, along with the integrated eVTOL, to a suitable takeoff location. A single command then initiates the detachment and unfolding of the aircraft for launch.

Upon completion of flight, the minivan seamlessly reconnects with the eVTOL, folding its wings and stowing it back into the vehicle’s trunk. This process is designed for simplicity and ease of use.

Certification and Flight Demonstrations

Acknowledging the ambitious nature of the concept, Brian Gu, Xpeng’s vice chairman and president, confirmed that the Land Aircraft Carrier has already received its type certification. This signifies that the vehicle meets the necessary requirements for production and has successfully completed its first public crewed flight demonstration.

Within the United States, companies such as Beta Technologies and Joby Aviation have also conducted piloted flights of their eVTOL prototypes, while Archer Aviation is still working towards achieving this milestone.

Regulatory Approvals and Production Capacity

Beyond type certification, Aero HT must also obtain a production certificate to enable large-scale manufacturing, as well as an airworthiness certificate. Construction of Aero HT’s production facility in Guangzhou is currently underway and is scheduled to begin operations later this year.

The facility is projected to have an annual production capacity of 10,000 vehicles, as stated by an Aero HT spokesperson.

Funding and Financial Backing

The question of scaling production to such a significant level naturally arises. In 2024, Xpeng Aero HT secured $150 million in Series B1 funding to initiate construction of its production facility, and continues to actively seek additional investment. Prior to this, the company raised $500 million in a Series A funding round in 2021.

For comparison, Beta Technologies has raised $1.15 billion, Joby has secured $2.8 billion, and Archer has amassed over $3 billion, according to data from PitchBook.

TechCrunch has inquired with Xpeng Aero HT regarding their anticipated future funding requirements to support production scaling and will provide updates as information becomes available.

Future Development Phases

The Land Aircraft Carrier represents only the first phase of the company’s long-term vision. Aero HT plans to subsequently develop a high-speed, long-range tiltrotor flying car intended for use within an “integrated urban air mobility network.” The third phase involves the creation of an eVTOL flying car designed to facilitate “seamless, door-to-door, integrated land-air urban transportation systems,” as outlined in a company statement.

Further Specifications Regarding the Ground Module

The base vehicle, often referred to as the mothership, is a six-wheeled platform exhibiting design similarities to the Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle produced by EV company Canoo, alongside elements reminiscent of the Tesla Cybertruck. Xpeng describes the design inspiration as envisioning a terrestrial vehicle akin to a lunar rover – robust, modern, and visually striking.

Key features include a floating roofline, darkened wheel wells, and retracting side mirrors that fold flush with the body panels when the vehicle is stationary. The rear doors utilize a dual-swing mechanism and operate automatically. Even with the eVTOL component integrated, the mothership retains sufficient space to accommodate four occupants.

This Land Aircraft Carrier is engineered to function as a mobile charging station for the flying vehicle, providing power during transit and while parked, ensuring continuous flight readiness. Xpeng highlights the inclusion of a pioneering 800-volt silicon carbide range extension system, enabling a total operational range exceeding 621 miles.

A Compact eVTOL Aircraft Featuring Six Rotors

This electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle is engineered for minimal weight. Its cockpit boasts a panoramic view, constructed from durable carbon fiber materials.

The aircraft utilizes a unique dual-duct, six-rotor configuration. Propellers and arms are designed to be foldable, enhancing its versatility.

Power is supplied by a dedicated 800-volt silicon carbide high-voltage platform, integral to the vehicle’s operation.

Safety and Reliability Features

Multiple layers of redundancy are incorporated into the vehicle’s design. These redundancies cover critical systems including propulsion, power distribution, communications, flight control, and overall operation.

Automatic responses to rotor failure are also included as a key safety component. Aero HT is currently undertaking rigorous testing of 200 units to validate performance under challenging environmental conditions.

Simplified Operation and Autonomous Capabilities

The vehicle is designed for relative ease of use. Although legal operation requires pilot certification, Xpeng asserts that a single-stick control system streamlines the flying experience.

Furthermore, autonomous flight is enabled through intelligent flight assistance. This includes features like one-touch takeoff, automated route planning, real-time airspace awareness, and landing vision support.

The ambitious claims made by Xpeng will be closely observed. However, the announcement represents a compelling development showcased at CES.