The race to develop flying cars is gaining momentum, with China preparing to enter the market with an ambitious electric aircraft. Following Tesla's recent showcase of its flying car concept, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng is gearing up to introduce its two-seater flying vehicle in 2027.

The aircraft is expected to cost approximately $300,000, equivalent to around ₹2.18 crore. Initially, the company plans to target adventure enthusiasts and recreational users in rural parts of China. It could also prove useful for emergency services, particularly in remote locations that are difficult to access by road.

Deli Zhao, CEO of Xpeng's flying vehicle business, revealed the company's plans during the Web Summit in Lisbon. According to him, Xpeng has been developing and testing the technology for nearly a decade. The aircraft has also received approval from China's civil aviation authorities for limited use.

Not a Traditional Car, But a Large Passenger Drone

Despite being called a flying car, Xpeng's vehicle looks very different from a conventional automobile. It does not have wheels for regular road travel. Instead, it uses six electric propellers to lift itself into the air, making it resemble a large passenger drone.

The aircraft can accommodate two passengers and features a compact cabin reportedly similar in size to that of a Fiat 500.

It uses a joystick-based flight control system and can also follow predetermined routes without requiring continuous manual input. Deli Zhao has claimed that operating the aircraft will be relatively simple and that an ordinary person could learn its basic controls in just five minutes.

However, the company has not yet provided complete details about the training requirements and licences that customers will need before flying it.

Flying Aircraft and Transport Van Included in the Price

Xpeng's flying vehicle package is expected to cost around $300,000, or approximately ₹2.18 crore. Interestingly, the price will include more than just the aircraft.

Customers will also receive a large six-wheeled transport van, reportedly similar in size to a Ford Transit. The flying aircraft can be stored inside the van and pulled out whenever required.

Once removed, its components unfold into their flight-ready position. The company has compared this transforming mechanism to the vehicles seen in the Hollywood film 'Transformers'.

Flying Range Currently Limited to 30 Kilometres

At present, the aircraft has a relatively short flying range. It can cover approximately 30 kilometres on a single flight and reach a maximum altitude of around one kilometre.

However, Xpeng wants to improve its performance in future versions. The company is working towards increasing battery energy density to 400 watt-hours per kilogram, which could help extend the aircraft's flying range.

This remains a development target, and the company has not yet demonstrated that the proposed improvement has been achieved.

China Is Betting Big on the Flying Vehicle Industry

Xpeng's project is part of China's broader push to develop what is known as the 'low-altitude economy'. This emerging sector includes drone operations, aerial cargo transportation and small passenger aircraft.

China is expected to initially focus on applications such as cargo delivery and emergency services before gradually expanding the use of flying vehicles for passenger transportation.

The technology could first become popular in rural and remote regions before potentially reaching urban markets. Around 20 companies in China are reportedly working on developing flying vehicles.

Xpeng is also exploring international opportunities. The company has signed agreements with the United Arab Emirates and several Southeast Asian countries and is looking towards the European market.

How Is Xpeng's Flying Vehicle Different From Tesla's Concept?

The competition between American and Chinese companies in the flying vehicle segment is becoming increasingly interesting.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently showcased a flying vehicle concept that uses high-pressure gas propulsion to lift itself into the air and perform aerial stunts.

However, Deli Zhao has questioned whether such a demonstration can be considered actual flying. He reportedly described Musk's demonstration as more of a jump than sustained flight.

In comparison, Xpeng says its aircraft is designed for continuous air travel rather than short aerial movements.

With a planned 2027 launch, Xpeng could become an important player in the emerging flying vehicle industry. However, factors such as safety regulations, flight licences, battery performance and operating costs will determine how quickly this technology becomes accessible to ordinary consumers.