Xpeng Aero HT, a subsidiary of the Chinese electric vehicle startup Xpeng, made headlines at CES 2025 with its innovative "modular flying car," named the Land Aircraft Carrier. This unique vehicle combines an electric minivan with a detachable eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) unit that can be launched into flight. The company has already secured 3,000 pre-orders for this futuristic vehicle, priced below $300,000, and plans to begin mass production in late 2023, with deliveries starting in 2026. Potential applications include thrill-seeking enthusiasts and emergency search and rescue operations. Xpeng Aero HT aims to launch in China before expanding internationally.

The Vision Behind the Land Aircraft Carrier

The Land Aircraft Carrier represents a significant leap towards practical urban air mobility. Unlike previous designs that seemed more suited for science fiction, this hybrid approach offers a realistic path to the skies. Instead of requiring expensive infrastructure, users can simply drive the vehicle to a suitable take-off location, issue a single command to detach and unfold the eVTOL, and then take off effortlessly. Upon returning to Earth, the mothership reconnects with the eVTOL, folds it back into place, and stores it securely in the trunk. This streamlined process promises convenience and ease of use.

This modular design addresses several challenges associated with traditional flying cars. By integrating a ground vehicle with a detachable aircraft, Xpeng Aero HT has created a versatile solution that can adapt to various environments and scenarios. The Land Aircraft Carrier’s ability to operate as both a road vehicle and an aerial transport opens up new possibilities for personal mobility and emergency services. Moreover, the vehicle’s type certification and successful crewed flight demonstration indicate that this concept is not just a vision but a tangible reality. However, the company still needs to secure production and airworthiness certificates to bring this ambitious project to market.

Innovative Features and Future Phases

The Land Aircraft Carrier boasts a range of cutting-edge features designed to enhance both functionality and safety. The ground module, or mothership, is a six-wheeled vehicle inspired by lunar rovers, featuring a sleek, heavy-duty design with automatic dual-swing doors and foldable rearview mirrors. It also acts as a mobile supercharging station for the eVTOL, ensuring it is always ready for takeoff. With a combined range exceeding 621 miles, thanks to its advanced 800-volt silicon carbide power platform, the vehicle promises extended travel capabilities.

The eVTOL itself is a marvel of engineering, equipped with a panoramic carbon fiber cockpit and a dual-duct six-rotor design. Its lightweight construction and foldable propellers make it highly portable and easy to deploy. Safety is a top priority, with fully redundant systems for propulsion, power, communications, and flight control. Xpeng Aero HT is currently testing 200 units to ensure reliability under adverse conditions. Additionally, the vehicle’s single-stick control system simplifies operations, allowing for both manual and autonomous flight modes. As Xpeng Aero HT looks to the future, it envisions developing high-speed, long-range tiltrotor flying cars and seamless land-air transportation systems, setting the stage for a new era of urban mobility.