XPeng’s fifth-generation “flying car” Voyager X2 expected to be launched in 2024

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- XPeng Huitian, the electric flying car company owned by XPeng, expects to launch in 2024 its “fifth-generation flying car” dubbed “Voyager X2”, whose research and development is being underway, Zhao Deli, founder of XPeng Huitian, revealed at the 2021 World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC).

Voyage X2; photo credit: XPeng Huitian

The X2 was preceded by the fourth-generation flying car, the Voyager X1, which was unveiled at the 2021 Auto Shanghai. It is more of an electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVOTL) vehicle, while XPeng refers it as a “car” perhaps because it shares many design genes as same as the P7 sedan.

The X2 is XPeng's first flying car to feature a closed cockpit, essentially designed for high-altitude flights. Compared to the X1, it boasts improvements in payload, passenger capacity, exterior design, and flight control system, etc. According to Zhao Deli, the X2 represented a phased achievement of XPeng's exploration of combining aircrafts and cars, and has experienced over 15,000 test flights.

According to Zhao, the X2's fuselage is comprised of carbon fiber and weighs about 560 kilograms with the battery. The model is able to accommodate two passengers under its maximum load of 200 kilograms.

As a full-electric “flying car”, the X2 will not emit carbon dioxide when flying. It can operate for up to 35 minutes on a charge and is able to fly at altitude of under 1,000 meters. Besides, it can fly at a top speed of 130 km/h. The model will not only satisfy the demands of urban short-haul trips, but also serve in such scenarios as air patrol, field rescue, as well as medical transportation.

Global flying car developers are apt to offer services to business users, while XPeng Huitian aims to set itself apart by building flying vehicles for individual users. “Reasonable manufacturing technologies and operation costs are necessary to bringing flying cars to the public, and eventually result in plentiful daily trips,” said Zhao Deli.