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XPENG to Begin Mass Production of Flying Cars in 2026
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPENG expects to start mass production of its 'flying car' — an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft — in 2026, with over 7,000 pre-orders already secured. President Brian Gu told Reuters that the company is finalizing flight certifications with Chinese aviation authorities and could begin early deliveries by late 2026. The modular vehicle, branded as the Land Aircraft Carrier under XPENG's sub-brand AeroHT (operating internationally as Aridge), consists of a six-wheeled electric 'mothership' that transports a detachable two-seat eVTOL drone.
What is the XPENG Flying Car?
The XPENG flying car is not a single vehicle but a two-part modular system. The ground module is a 6x6 all-wheel-drive range-extended electric vehicle capable of traveling up to 1,000 km (620 miles). Its rear hatch opens to deploy a two-seat eVTOL aircraft with a flight range of 30-40 km (19-25 miles) per charge. The drone features eight electric motors, a 95 kWh battery, autonomous flight capabilities with LiDAR sensors, 5G connectivity, and a ballistic parachute system for emergency descent. The entire system is priced at approximately $280,000 (€260,000).
Noud Broekhof of the Nationale Autoshow explains: 'It is not a car, it is a kind of large drone with a ground module attached. The eVTOL is like a drone that belongs to a kind of driving mothership.' He compares the concept to a campervan towing a small car: 'You sometimes see people driving a huge camper with a Smart car towed behind.'
Market Demand and Global Ambitions
XPENG has received over 7,000 orders for the Land Aircraft Carrier, with the majority coming from China. The company also secured 600 pre-orders in Dubai, one of the first international markets for the vehicle. The flying car is initially targeting high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients who have access to dedicated launch pads — the drone requires a minimum 10m x 10m clear space for takeoff and landing.
The global eVTOL market reached $18.92 billion in 2026 with a 31.7% compound annual growth rate, projected to hit $41.8 billion by 2030, according to industry data. China's 'low-altitude economy' — a national strategic priority under the 15th Five-Year Plan — is forecast to exceed $200 billion in 2026, with cities like Shenzhen building over 1,200 takeoff and landing points. Similar to the global urban air mobility market, XPENG aims to capture a significant share of this emerging sector.
Safety Concerns and Certification Hurdles
Safety remains a critical challenge. In September 2025, two XPENG AeroHT eVTOLs collided during a rehearsal for the Changchun Air Show in Jilin province — believed to be the first-ever midair collision involving two eVTOL aircraft. The incident, caused by insufficient separation distance, resulted in one aircraft catching fire upon landing and one occupant sustaining minor injuries. XPENG confirmed an investigation was underway and that all personnel were safe.
The crash underscored the risks facing the eVTOL safety certification process