Flying Cars May Finally Become A Reality!

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The Xpeng X2 recently completed its first public test flight in Dubai (Credit: Xpeng)

If Chinese automobile company Xpeng AeroHT has its way, we may soon be commuting on flying cars. The electric car manufacturer recently unveiled two radical flying vehicle models.

On October 10, 2022, the Xpeng X2 successfully completed its first public test flight in Dubai. The unmanned two-seater lifted off from Skydive Dubai on the opening day of the Gitex Global Technology Expo. X2's inaugural flight lasted just 90 seconds. It was witnessed by 150 conference attendees and officials.

The "teardrop-shaped" X2 is fitted with an electric engine and produces no carbon emissions. It is programmed to fly autonomously and can go up to 80 miles per hour (129km/h). X2's eight propellers — two at each corner of the vehicle — allow for vertical take-off and landing.

The X3 is a roadworthy flying car (Credit: Xpeng)

Shortly after X2's public debut, Xpeng AeroHT introduced a second flying car prototype. The Xpeng X3, unveiled in a video on October 24, 2022, is essentially a sports car with "wings." The company asserts that the X3 drives like a regular car in "ground mode." When the owner needs to fly, all they have to do is shift to "flight mode." The X3 will take off vertically. Once in the air, the "aircraft" can be piloted using the steering wheel and a right-hand gear lever.

Xpeng AeroHT is not the only car company developing flying cars. Over 500 companies are working on the endeavor. Even better, about two dozen models are currently in testing phases! At this rate, the future of flying vehicles certainly looks promising.

Resources: Businessinsider.com, CNN.com, Foxbusiness.com

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257 Comments
  • potato1
    potato1about 2 years
    Will you need a pilots license to fly these "aircraft"? Will it have autopilot like real airplanes? Who will be responsible if it crashes?
  • aariana
    aarianaover 2 years
    OMG SOOO COOL!!!!
    • mathewparish32
      mathewparish32over 2 years
      THAT IS SO COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      • sammyyyy
        sammyyyyover 2 years
        This has its pros and cons, it could be good for getting to places but there is the chance they could crash and fall on to somebody below, causing d3ath or severe injuries to an innocent person, the people in the cars would also have severe injuries.
        • docb102
          docb102over 2 years
          I think flares and parachutes can solve that problem. If the user's car starts falling, they can activate a panic. The parachute would fly out, and flares are noisy and hard not to notice. Perfect for warning people.
      • foster4eva
        foster4evaover 2 years
        i hope one day this is a reality
        • damoney
          damoneyalmost 3 years
          soooooooooo cool!!
          • bunbunxinyi
            bunbunxinyialmost 3 years
            In the future, everyone might want to drive a flying car... how cool!
            • ayahoya
              ayahoyaabout 3 years
              If that comes out publicly, that would be sold until it's out of stock in a few seconds! Even though it was sort of shaky, it surely looks promising
              • iceyqueen
                iceyqueenabout 3 years
                I want one when it is at a affordable price!
                • iceyqueen
                  iceyqueenabout 3 years
                  It would probably cost a lot though.