Changsha, Hunan Province – August 28, 2023- AeroHT, a pioneering startup backed by Xpeng, has achieved a major breakthrough in the world of transportation as its innovative flying car, the Xpeng X2, successfully completed a cross-river flight over the Xiang river in Changsha, Hunan province. The landmark achievement marks a significant step forward in the development of flying car technology.
The Xpeng X2 embarked on its remarkable jour ney from the left bank of the river and touched down gracefully at Zhoutou Square, covering a distance of 1.5 kilometers. The flight, which lasted for a brief yet impressive 4 minutes, showcased the vehicle’s capabilities and potential in revolutionizing urban mobility.
Founded in 2013 by Zhao Deli with crucial financial backing from Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng, AeroHT—formerly known as Heitech—has been at the forefront of flying car innovation. The company introduced its first-generation flying car back in 2016, and in 2020, they unveiled the fifth generation. The year 2021 marked a significant milestone for AeroHT as it secured Series A financing exceeding 500 million USD through the support of Xpeng.
The X2’s airframe dimensions stand at 5172mm in length, 5124mm in width, and 1362mm in height. Impressively, when folded, the dimensions shrink to 4949mm in length, 2113mm in width, and 2055mm in height. The X2’s body primarily employs lightweight carbon materials in its construction, contributing to its remarkable performance.
Distinguishing itself from typical consumer drones, the Xpeng X2 is equipped with eight motors, making it an octocopter. Each arm of the vehicle boasts a pair of engines and propellers, providing enhanced thrust and redundancy. This design ensures that the aircraft can maintain flight even if one motor experiences failure. For added safety, the X2 features a built-in parachute system that can be deployed to soften potential landings in case of multiple motor failures.
The X2’s flying endurance is currently rated at 25 minutes. However, AeroHT has announced plans to introduce an extended-range option for the mass-produced version set to hit the market in 2025.
AeroHT proudly claims that the Xpeng X2’s cross-river flight is a pioneering achievement for China’s flying car industry. Prior to this successful feat, the X2 underwent an extensive testing phase comprising nearly 4,000 flights. In the past year, it showcased its versatility through flights in diverse scenarios, including urban central business districts, sea areas, and desert landscapes.
In June 2022, leaked patent images offered a sneak peek into Xpeng’s next-generation electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which notably resembled an actual car rather than a conventional drone.
The X2’s global debut took place in Dubai in October 2022, attracting international attention and garnering recognition beyond China’s borders.
Further cementing its position as a pioneer in the industry, Xpeng X2 obtained the coveted conditions flight permit from Chinese authorities in January. This achievement marked a historic moment as the first crewed eVTOL in China to secure such a permit.
According to Zhao Deli, CEO and founder of AeroHT, the eagerly anticipated eVTOL will enter mass production and begin deliveries in 2025. Although the price range remains undisclosed, Deli indicated in an interview that the cost of the flying car is projected to fall between 800,000 and 1,500,000 yuan (approximately 110,000 – 205,000 USD). As the world eagerly anticipates the dawn of a new era in transportation, AeroHT and Xpeng continue to drive innovation to new heights.