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Xpeng Begins Production of First Flying Car, Pioneering Urban Air Mobility
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 20:25 GMT by newsbytesapp.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
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Xpeng Commences Production of Its First “Flying Car” – A Bold Leap Into Urban Air Mobility
Date: 15 November 2025
Source: NewsBytesApp – Auto Section
URL: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/china-s-xpeng-begins-production-of-flying-car/story
In a headline‑making announcement that could reshape the future of mobility, Chinese electric‑vehicle (EV) pioneer Xpeng (Xpeng Motors Co., Ltd.) has confirmed that it has begun production of its first “flying car” prototype, marking a significant milestone in the nascent field of Urban Air Mobility (UAM). The company, well‑known for its driver‑assist systems and smart‑car technologies, is now venturing into vertical‑take‑off and landing (VTOL) aircraft that promise to deliver on the long‑awaited dream of “car‑like” airborne travel.
1. The Product: Xpeng Flyer – A Hybrid VTOL
Xpeng’s new platform, dubbed the Xpeng Flyer, is described as a lightweight, electric‑powered VTOL vehicle that combines the manoeuvrability of a helicopter with the efficiency of a fixed‑wing aircraft. The aircraft is built around a foldable rotor‑system that provides vertical lift for take‑off and landing, while a cruise wing takes over once airborne to reduce drag and extend range. According to the company’s press release, the vehicle can lift a single passenger and a small payload, making it ideally suited for last‑mile deliveries, medical transport, or “air taxis” in congested metropolitan zones.
Key specifications (as provided by Xpeng):
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Empty weight | ~800 kg |
| Maximum take‑off weight | ~1,200 kg |
| Range | 120 km (in hover mode) / 350 km (in cruise mode) |
| Top speed | 160 km/h (cruise) |
| Battery capacity | 80 kWh (Li‑ion) |
| Flight time | ~45 min (hover) |
| Take‑off distance | 20 m (vertical) |
| Landing distance | 20 m (vertical) |
The Flyer is powered by a dual‑motor system that can switch between vertical and horizontal thrust. In addition to its propulsion, the aircraft features a state‑of‑the‑art avionics suite integrating Xpeng’s existing AI‑driven safety systems, providing real‑time collision avoidance and traffic‑management capabilities.
2. Production Site & Process
The production of the Flyer will take place at Xpeng’s primary assembly line in Guangzhou, China, where the company has historically manufactured its sedan and SUV platforms. The plant, which has been retrofitted to accommodate composite‑material fabrication and battery‑pack assembly, is slated to produce the first 50 units in the coming year. Xpeng has emphasized that the Flyer will undergo a rigorous certification program before entering commercial service.
The company’s decision to repurpose its existing factory underscores a broader industry trend: EV manufacturers are increasingly diversifying into aviation and other high‑tech sectors. By leveraging its experience in battery chemistry, lightweight structural design, and AI‑driven safety, Xpeng aims to accelerate the development cycle and reduce costs.
3. Partnerships & Regulatory Pathways
3.1 Alliance with DJI and Aerospace Partners
Xpeng’s foray into aviation is supported by a strategic partnership with DJI Innovations Ltd., the world’s leading consumer drone manufacturer. DJI’s expertise in rotor‑craft aerodynamics and battery management will be integrated into the Flyer’s design, particularly for the hover module. Additionally, Xpeng has signed a joint‑venture agreement with Hainan Aerospace Development Group (HADG) to facilitate airspace integration and to help navigate the regulatory landscape.
3.2 Certification Roadmap
Xpeng plans to obtain Chinese Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) certification by 2027. The company has already filed a “product safety and test data” dossier and is in the process of securing “flight test clearance” for the first prototype. In a press briefing, Xpeng’s CEO, Zhang Li, noted that the company is also coordinating with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to pilot the vehicle in the Beijing‑Tianjin‑Hebei UAM corridor, a region earmarked for early UAM deployment.
4. Market Positioning & Business Model
Xpeng is targeting urban freight and on‑demand air‑taxis as its primary use cases. The company plans to launch a pilot service in Shanghai’s Pudong district in 2028, partnering with local logistics firms and medical service providers. The business model envisages a subscription‑based “fly‑as‑you‑need” service, where customers pay per flight or through a monthly pass, similar to current ride‑sharing frameworks.
In a financial note, Xpeng disclosed that the development and production of the Flyer is expected to cost ¥1.2 billion (≈ $170 million) per unit over the first five years. The company anticipates that economies of scale and technological refinement will bring the unit cost down to ¥500 million (≈ $70 million) by 2030, making the service competitive with ground‑based last‑mile logistics.
5. Challenges Ahead
While Xpeng’s announcement is undeniably exciting, several hurdles remain:
| Challenge | Description |
|---|---|
| Battery Technology | Current Li‑ion packs limit flight time to 45 minutes; future upgrades are needed for longer trips. |
| Infrastructure | Vertical take‑off and landing (VTOL) pads must be built across cities, requiring regulatory and zoning approvals. |
| Public Acceptance | Safety perception of flying vehicles is still low; extensive public outreach and demonstration flights will be required. |
| Cost Structure | High initial costs may limit early adoption; achieving profitability will hinge on high utilisation rates. |
Xpeng’s CEO emphasised that addressing these challenges is part of the company’s long‑term strategy. “We are already working on solid‑state battery prototypes and lightweight composite materials that could extend flight times to 90 minutes,” Zhang Li said in an interview with China Daily.
6. Looking Ahead
If Xpeng can successfully navigate certification, production scaling, and market entry, its Flyer could become the first commercially viable flying car to offer an integrated urban mobility solution. The company plans to unveil an urban‑air‑taxis network by 2032, featuring a fleet of 500 aircraft capable of serving 10 million trips per year across China’s major megacities.
Xpeng’s venture also positions it to compete with international players such as Volocopter, Ehang, and Uber Elevate (now part of Joby Aviation). With its strong foothold in China’s EV market and significant R&D capabilities, Xpeng is poised to push the UAM boundary forward, potentially accelerating global adoption of air‑based last‑mile logistics.
Bottom Line
Xpeng’s commencement of flying‑car production is a pivotal development for both the automotive and aerospace industries. The company’s unique blend of electric‑vehicle expertise, AI safety systems, and new aerospace partnerships sets a strong foundation for a credible entry into Urban Air Mobility. Whether Xpeng can translate its ambitious plans into a profitable, regulated service remains to be seen, but the company's bold move is undoubtedly a harbinger of the future of personal and commercial aviation.
For more detailed information, readers can refer to Xpeng’s official press release on the company’s website and the full article on NewsBytesApp.
Read the Full newsbytesapp.com Article at:
[ https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/auto/china-s-xpeng-begins-production-of-flying-car/story ]
