Xpeng Starts Mass Production Of The World's First Modular Flying Car

Air car Xpeng AEROHT. (Photo: Xpeng)

JAKARTA A subsidiary of XPENG Motors, namely AEROHT, officially launched the first unit of mass production modular flying vehicles. This step marks the start of the world's first mass production line for flying vehicles with modular designs.

The plant, located in Huangpu district, Guangzhou, China, stands on an area of about 120 thousand square meters and is specially designed to produce modular flying vehicles consisting of two main parts: a vehicle vehicle and a vertical or eVTOL takeoff module.

Launching from Carnewschina, Monday, November 3, the XPENG AEROHT modular flying vehicle has a three-axis configuration with six wheels, an all-wheel drive system, and a rear wheel steering that increases stability when carrying an air module load.

With a length of about 5.5 meters, 2 meters wide, and 2 meters high, this aircraft fits in the standard parking lot and can be driven with a conventional SIM. The air modules are electric design, six rotors, and double channels equipped with carbon fiber aircraft and rotor blades, which balance strength and weight.

A 270-degree panoramic cockpit offers a wide view during flight. The vehicle is also equipped with an active suspension system and fast charging capabilities, with a charging time of about 30 minutes using a high-voltage charger.

Meanwhile, eVTOL air modules are designed with eight folding propellers that allow vertical takeoff and landing. The lift is generated by high-power electric motors powered by separate batteries from land vehicles.

In flying mode, this vehicle can reach a maximum speed of about 130 km/h with an air travel distance of about 35 minutes of flight at optimal conditions. The design of this eVTOL also utilizes light carbon fiber material and aviation aluminum, so it remains sturdy but efficient aerodynamically.

The cabin is designed for two passengers and equipped with an automated control system that facilitates the transition between ground and air mode with just one button. The full-scale delivery stage is scheduled to begin in 2026 after the entire performance test process and manufacturing validation are completed.

Based on the previous statement, the price of the modular flying vehicle model XPENG is estimated to be below 2 million yuan, or around Rp4.67 billion. XPENG Director and CEO He Xiaopeng, said that this factory is the first in China as well as in the world to produce modular flying vehicles on a large scale.

He added that this step is part of Xpeng's efforts to provide more efficient and safe air mobility solutions for the community. The modular technology used allows ground vehicles to carry foldable and released air modules.

The module can function as an eVTOL aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing, providing high flexibility for its users to move between land and air routes. The vehicle is also equipped with a GPS-based navigation system, an obstacle avoidance radar, and an integrated autopilot system that helps control during the takeoff and landing phases.

With the operation of this production line, XPENG AEROHT established its position as a pioneer in the global flying vehicle industry. Even so, regulatory and infrastructure challenges are still the main focus, especially related to low flight safety and the readiness for mass implementation in the future.