Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng has presented its first electronic vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, marketed as a flying car.
The vehicle performed a short flight during a presentation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on October 10, 2022.
Part of the Gitex Global 2022 conference, the flight was approved by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and marked the first public showcase for the vehicle.
According to XPeng, the X2 can transport two passengers at the speed of up to 130 kilometers per hour (80 miles per hour) and stay in the air for up to 35 minutes.
It is intended to be semi-autonomous, flying pre-determined routes without human interference, but also allowing a human pilot to control the aircraft if needed.
“The first global public flight of the X2 flying car will change the game of future mobility. The flying car is the epitome of ambition, innovation and future-oriented vision that has always inspired Dubai and its leadership. Today, we witnessed a historic moment that will define the next 50 years,” acting president and CEO of Dubai International Chamber of Commerce Hassan Al Hashemi was quoted as saying in Xpeng’s press release.
This is not the first time an eVTOL aircraft has conducted a flight in Dubai. Multiple flying taxi project have been trialed in the city since 2017 and, in recent years, the capital city has even signed several partnerships with some of the manufacturers to further develop the concept.