‘Flying cars’ could launch in China next summer, maker of two-seat model says

• The manufacturer of a two-seat flying car, XPeng, has announced that it could launch in China next summer, with the vehicle being ready for use by recreational users and emergency services in 2027. The vehicle, which is about the size of a Fiat 500 car, is equipped with six drone-like propellers and can fly autonomously to a programmed destination. It is priced at $300,000 and includes a six-wheel van that unfolds like the Transformers.

• The vehicle is part of a wider push by Beijing to develop the "low-altitude economy," including drones and flying cars, starting with flying cargo and moving to people. XPeng is one of about 20 companies in China working on flying vehicles. The vehicle is limited to approved park areas and can only be used by emergency services for reaching inaccessible areas. It has a flight range of 30km but will soon be doubled by increasing the battery's energy density.

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