At the CES2025 exhibition, Xpeng Aero HT, an aerospace company owned by Chinese electric vehicle startup Xpeng, released a revolutionary modular flying car - "Land Aircraft Carrier", which combines an electric minivan with a folding electric vertical take-off and landing The function of the aircraft (eVTOL) enables free conversion between the ground and the air. This flying car has received 3,000 intention orders and is scheduled to begin delivery in 2026. Its target customers include wealthy individual users and emergency rescue personnel. The product plans to be launched in the Chinese market first and then consider expanding into the international market. Its unique innovative design and convenient operation herald a new model of urban transportation in the future.
At the CES2025 exhibition, Xpeng Aero HT, an aerospace company owned by Chinese electric vehicle startup Xpeng, launched its revolutionary new product-"Land Aircraft Carrier", a modular flying car. This vehicle combines the functions of an electric minivan and a folding electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL). The rear part can be unfolded and taken off, allowing free transition between the air and the ground.
The flying car has attracted 3,000 intention orders and is scheduled to begin delivery in 2026. Aero HT said that potential customers include wealthy individual users and emergency search and rescue personnel. According to Aero HT's plan, the first batch of products will be launched in China, and then it will consider expanding into international markets.
Compared with traditional aircraft, the design of this flying car is simpler. Users only need to drive the car and eVTOL aircraft to the take-off and landing point, and issue a simple "command" to disassemble and unfold the aircraft for take-off. After the flight, the aircraft will fold back and be stored back in the back of the car for easy use again.
Gu Zhen, vice chairman and president of Xiaopeng, said that the land aircraft carrier has obtained a type certificate and completed its first public manned flight demonstration. However, in addition to type certification, the Aero HT still needs to obtain a production certificate and airworthiness certificate before mass production can officially begin.
It is reported that the Aero HT production plant is under construction in Guangzhou and is expected to be put into use by the end of the year, with an annual production capacity of 10,000 vehicles. The startup also plans to continue raising funds to expand production. In terms of financing, Aero HT raised US$150 million in Series B1 financing in 2024, while the previous Series A financing raised US$500 million.
Although Aero HT's funding is not as large as its peers such as Beta Technologies and Joby Aviation, its long-term plans indicate that more financial support will be needed in the future. The company plans to develop high-speed, long-range tilt-rotor aircraft in a future second phase, with the goal of creating an "integrated urban air transportation network" and ultimately a seamless urban land and air transportation system.
The "aircraft carrier" on the land portion has a modern and rugged appearance, inspired by the "Earth Lunar Rover", with a stylish and futuristic design. It features a floating roof, dark-colored wheel arches and folding side mirrors, and is capable of accommodating four passengers. The rear of the vehicle can also automatically open to accommodate the eVTOL aircraft while providing ample space. Aero HT also said that the car will be available in four color options.
In addition to transporting aircraft, this car can also serve as a mobile super charging station for eVTOL aircraft, providing power to the aircraft to ensure it is ready to take off at any time. The 800-volt silicon carbide power platform can support a total vehicle and aircraft range of more than 621 miles.
The eVTOL aircraft itself is compact in design, made of carbon fiber material, and has a lightweight structure. Its six-rotor design with foldable propellers and arms allows for efficient flight and easy storage. The aircraft is equipped with redundant propulsion, power, communication, and flight control systems to ensure safety. In addition, the aircraft also supports autopilot mode, including one-click takeoff, automatic route planning and landing visual assistance, simplifying the operation process.
Although pilots need to obtain legal flight certification, the aircraft simplifies operation and can be easily used by ordinary users. Aero HT said that the aircraft is currently undergoing 200 tests to verify its reliability in different environments.
All in all, Xpeng’s “land aircraft carrier” represents a major leap in flying car technology, and its convenience, safety, and future development potential are all exciting. Although it faces many challenges, its innovation and market prospects are undoubtedly worthy of attention.