“Take Off with the Future: A First Look at Xpeng’s Revolutionary Flying Car, Aero HT”
**CES Loves a Flying Car, and Xpeng’s Modular eVTOL is Peak CES**
At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), we got a glimpse into the future of transportation with Xpeng’s modular eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft. The company’s vision is to give drivers the “freedom to fly,” and their near-final prototype, the Land Aircraft Carrier, is a massive, six-wheeled EV that carries a two-seater eVTOL aircraft.
**Not a Flying Car, But Still Cool**
Let’s clear one thing up: the Land Aircraft Carrier isn’t technically a flying car. It’s a minivan-like vehicle that doesn’t leave the ground, but it does carry a two-seater eVTOL aircraft that actually takes to the skies. The eVTOL itself is a modular design, with a range of 1,000 kilometers (just over 620 miles) and a combined range with the EV of 1,000 kilometers.
**Inside the Cockpit**
We got to sit in the two-person aircraft itself, where Xpeng’s co-founder and CEO, Wang Tan, walked us through the basics. The controls are minimal, with a one-handed joystick for maneuvering, automated flight systems for short, self-guided trips, and backup button controls conveniently placed on the center console. Xpeng’s goal is to make flying as simple as possible.
**The Mothership and eVTOL Combo**
The Mothership and eVTOL combo boasts a combined range of 1,000 kilometers, making it suitable for recreational escapes, far from crowded urban spaces. The EV isn’t just a ride; it’s a mobile charging station for the eVTOL. Together, they form Xpeng’s ambitious “phase 1” in the quest to make personal flight a reality. Phase 2? A car that actually flies.
**Price Tag and Availability**
So far, Xpeng claims over 3,000 intent orders and plans to start shipping in China by 2026. As for the price tag? Brace yourself — the Land Aircraft Carrier is expected to land somewhere around $300,000.
**FAQs**
Q: Is the Land Aircraft Carrier a flying car?
A: No, it’s a minivan-like vehicle that carries a two-seater eVTOL aircraft.
Q: How far can the eVTOL aircraft fly?
A: The eVTOL has a range of 1,000 kilometers (just over 620 miles).
Q: What’s the combined range of the Mothership and eVTOL?
A: The combined range is 1,000 kilometers.
Q: When will the Land Aircraft Carrier be available?
A: Xpeng plans to start shipping in China by 2026.
Q: How much will the Land Aircraft Carrier cost?
A: The expected price tag is around $300,000.
**Conclusion**
Xpeng’s modular eVTOL aircraft is a bold step towards making personal flight a reality. While it’s not a flying car, it’s still an exciting development in the world of transportation. With its combined range of 1,000 kilometers and mobile charging station, the Land Aircraft Carrier is a unique offering that’s sure to generate buzz. As Xpeng continues to push the boundaries of innovation, we can’t wait to see what the future holds.