XPENG Invents the Flying Drone Car

The Chinese manufacturer, an expert in mobile electronics and drones, has unveiled a unique flying car in the world.

It took inspiration. While many are stubbornly working on the idea of a winged flying car, XPENG took the problem from a different angle. Drones, and with them the management of a platform in all dimensions, are already mastered by the Chinese manufacturer. Same with electric cars, energy management, mass, etc. Here is the drone-car, the first of its kind. It will go down in history thanks to its vertical takeoff capability (eVTOL).

We are not stopping at the design, which is obviously controversial to generate buzz. However, we note the presence of transparent doors to increase the pilot’s visibility during flight. Well done!

The streamlined shape of the body, wheel fairings, and other details enhance the need to optimize the air penetration coefficient and reduce drag.

XPENG does not specify whether the 8 rotors fold into the body once on the ground or if a removable structure attaches when flying is needed. This nuance would be quite significant. We only know that the Chinese company has managed to limit the total weight to 1 ton, which would be an incredible achievement. Should we assume that flight autonomy would only last a few minutes, just enough to leave the congested city center of a large metropolis?

In any case, XPENG indeed indicates plans for commercial release in 2024-2025 at a price, again hard to believe, around 130,000 euros. One thing is certain: our children will experience personal air travel. This is no longer science fiction.

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