Xpeng-Backed Startup Says to Deliver Flying Cars in 2024

The Xpeng Heitech flying vehicle

Xpeng Heitech, a flying car startup backed by electric vehicle maker Xpeng Inc., said on Wednesday that it would deliver electric flying cars to customers in 2024.

The startup, founded in 2013 and funded by Xpeng and Xpeng's CEO He Xiaopeng, now employs 400 people and will expand its work force to 700 by the end of this year, company founder Zhao Deli told the World New Energy Vehicle Congress.

Xpeng Heitech's model will be able to drive on roads, Zhao said. The electric flying car will be able to travel over 600 kilometers (370 miles) on the ground on a single charge, but Zhao did not say how far it can fly on one charge.

Other automakers that are developing flying cars in China include Geely's Terrafugia, which is building a factory in the central city of Wuhan. Volkswagen AG is also studying the industry in China.

Regulators in China, however, have yet to roll out detailed rules on flying vehicles.

 

September 16, 2021