Chinese X2 ‘flying car’ makes first flight in Dubai

X2 flying car Xpeng — XPeng's eVTOL flying car X2 makes its first public flying in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 10, 2022. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

DUBAI (Reuters) – The X2 “flying car” built by Chinese electronic vehicle maker Xpeng Inc made its first public flight in the United Arab Emirates, as the company works towards launching the electric aircraft on international markets.

X2 two-seater flying car

The X2 is a two-seater electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that is lifted by eight propellers – two at each corner of the vehicle.

Guests and reporters check out the XPeng eVTOL flying car X2 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 10, 2022. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

The unmanned, 90-second test flight in Dubai was described by its manufacturer as an “important base for the next generation of flying cars.”

The company says that It is the first public display of its flying car after completing specific operations risk assessment and achieving a special flying permit from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority. This first flight took place at Skydive Dubai and was witnessed by over 150 attendees.

Made by China’s Xpeng Inc

Brian Gu, Vice Chairman and President of XPeng, stated: “XPeng X2’s public display in Dubai represents a significant milestone for the Xpeng AeroHT and the international achievement of flying cars. Dubai is a world-renowned ‘City of Innovation’, which is the reason we decided to hold the X2 first public flight event here. Today’s flight is a major step in XPeng’s exploration of future mobility.”

The XPeng X2 is the company’s fifth-generation flying car. It does not produce any carbon dioxide emissions during flight and represents a step forward in the pursuit of urban green transportation. The company says it will be suitable for future low-altitude city flights and short-distance city journeys such as sightseeing and medical transportation.

The XPeng X2 is equipped with two driving modes: manual and autonomous. During the autonomous flight, passengers can enjoy a safe and intelligent flying experience with simple start, return and landing operations at the touch of a button.

“We are making step-by-step (moves) to the international market,” said Minguan Qiu, general manager of Xpeng Aeroht. “First we selected Dubai city because Dubai is the most innovative city in the world.”

(Reporting by Abdelhadi Ramahi in Dubai; Editing by Dominic Evans and Matthew Lewis)