CES loves flying cars, right?
At this year’s Consumer Technology Showcase, we took a look at Xpeng Aero HT’s land carrier and climbed into the cockpit of the company’s modular eVTOL (that’s an electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle for the uninitiated). Is an electric car as comfortable as driving down the highway or flying in the air? Groundbreaking, sure, but also peak CES.
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Let’s be clear about one thing: this giant six-wheeled EV isn’t exactly a flying car. Xpeng’s so-called “mothership” is a minivan-like vehicle that gives off a strong Cybertruck vibe and never leaves the ground. what is it do However, it does feature a two-seater eVTOL aircraft that actually flies. Still, it’s definitely cool. After speaking with co-founder and CEO Wang Tan, it’s clear that Xpeng is fully committed to its mission of giving drivers the freedom to fly.
Look, it’s a “mother ship” equipped with eVTOL.
Credit: Emmett Smith / Mashable
And it’s open!
Credit: Emmett Smith / Mashable
Since the mothership is near the final prototype, it was not possible to get a proper look inside. But we did We boarded a two-seater plane and Tan taught us the basics. Xpeng’s goal is to make flying as easy as possible. Controls are minimal, with a one-handed joystick for steering, an autoflight system for short self-guided trips, and backup button controls conveniently located on the center console.
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The Xpeng Aero HT modular eVTOL seen at CES.
Credit: Emmett Smith / Mashable
But before you dream of speeding through the city skyline, pump the brakes. Xpeng envisions eVTOL as a recreational refuge from crowded urban spaces. And the truth is, most drivers can barely handle two dimensions, let alone three. Oh, and you’ll also need a light sport airplane license.
The mothership and eVTOL combination has a combined range of 1,000 kilometers (just over 620 miles). But here’s the kicker. EVs are more than just vehicles. Mobile charging station for eVTOL. Together, they form Xpeng’s ambitious “Phase 1” of its quest to make personal flight a reality. Phase 2? A car that actually flies.
So far, Xpeng claims it has secured more than 3,000 intent orders and plans to start shipping in China by 2026. What about the price? Be careful. The land carrier is expected to land for about $300,000.
Hey, no one said the future was cheap.
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