Chinese ‘Flying Car’ Completes Its First Public Test Over Skyline Of Dubai
The citizens of Dubai were treated to an incredible showing of Chinese tech company XPeng’s first “flying car” test as the vehicle soared above the city skyline.
Eight propellers, two on each corner of the flying car, were used to launch the ‘X2’—the company’s fifth-generation electronic Vehicle Take Off and Landing (eVTOL)—from Skydive Dubai. The event was being watched by 150 guests.
X2 flying car's first public flight was a great success. Thanks for all the support!â¤ï¸#XPENGAEROHT #GITEXGLOBAL #FutureIsNow #FlyingCar #XPENGX2 pic.twitter.com/KUUjRWQvwl
— XPENG AEROHT (@XPENG_AEROHT) October 12, 2022
The X2 is designed for low-city aviation, such as zipping across the city or for medical reasons. The two-seater is made of carbon fiber and has an enclosed cabin with large windows for its passengers to take in the sights below.
It can speed up to 81 mph, soar to heights of up to 3,281 feet, and fly for up to 35 minutes on a single charge.
X2 flying car's first public flight is officially launched. Let's take a look at the scene together! #XPENGAEROHT #GITEXGLOBAL #FutureIsNow #FlyingCar pic.twitter.com/5o7JKKFe9f
— XPENG AEROHT (@XPENG_AEROHT) October 11, 2022
XPeng notes that the X2 is made for manual and autonomous flying. At the show, however, it showed off its unmanned capabilities by passing across the Dubai sky for an impressive 90 minutes before landing again.
Prior to this, XPeng had completed tests on the roads of China.
This marks a milestone for the company as it reaches its goal of sending its fleet out into the international market. And on the heels of this, it has also planned to announce its sixth-generation model that is meant to cruise through the skies and on the roads at the 1024 XPeng day on October 24.
[via Bloomberg and Reuters, cover image via XPeng]
