XPeng's AeroHT X2: Electric Flying Car's Dubai Debut and Beyond
XPeng, those cheeky chappies known for creating electric vehicles, have been dabbling in the airborne world too. Now, we're not just talking about those dinky little drones your nephew loves to pester the cat with. Oh no, these are proper, skyward machines that are designed to send a fellow off to the shops and back, all while avoiding the horrifically dull gridlock.
XPeng shipped their flying baby to the Netherlands in March 2022, marking the X2's European debut.
On October 10 they pulled off a stunt that'd make James Bond raise an eyebrow, debuting its electric flying car, XPeng AeroHT X2, in a flight display in Dubai at GITEX GLOBAL 2022, one of the world’s largest technology shows. There, in that shiny city of tomorrow, in the land of sun, sand, and sky-high skyscrapers, XPeng's X2 took to the air in its first public spectacle, and it wasn't just a show for the company's bigwigs. Representatives from a whole buffet of organizations were present, including The Chinese Consulate in Dubai, The Dubai International Chamber of Commerce, and others.
Now, for those of you who've been living under a rock, the X2 is the product of a grand adventure that began in November 2020. It's a two-seater, electric flying car that looks more like a techie's dream than anything else. Its maiden flight was in China in June 2021, and since then they’ve been buzzing around the skies like very ambitious bumblebees.
Brian Gu, the vice chairman and president of XPeng, seemed chuffed to bits. He claimed that their flying show in Dubai marked a major milestone in XPeng's journey and the international achievement of flying cars. "Dubai is a world-renowned 'City of Innovation', which is why we chose it for the X2's first public flight event," he said. I reckon the sand and sunshine might have had a little to do with it as well.
The X2 is a neat little package: two seats, a closed cockpit, and an all-electric propulsion system. It comes with all sorts of shiny gadgets, such as autonomous flight path planning and a self-service return landing feature. You don't even need a map; this smart little blighter can guide you back home. Its stats are impressive too - it has a maximum cruise speed of 81 miles (130 kilometers) per hour and can stay in the air for about 35 minutes.
XPeng, not resting on their laurels, also gave a sneak peek of their sixth-generation flying car at its annual Tech Day event last October 24. This promised marvel can both roam the roads and take to the skies. Their ambition is to kickstart mass production by 2024, with a price tag that won't have us selling our kidneys.
Mr. He, the Chairman and CEO of XPeng, stated it well: "We never make concept cars or cars just for show. We're all about bringing groundbreaking technology to the masses and changing our lives in smart mobility."
Well, Mr. He, if your sixth-generation flying car is as good as your words, I can't wait for my morning commute to involve a bit of airtime!
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
