Xpeng Groupheld a landmark ceremony for its cutting-edge modular flying automotive production facility on October 27. By 2026, we will initiate mass production with a yearly capacity to produce 10,000 units. By September of this year, XPeng had garnered more than 3,000 orders for its flying car before official pre-sales commenced.
Prior to its integration with Xpeng, the company’s autonomous aerial technology subsidiary, Xpeng AeroHT, had successfully developed and refined five distinct generations of flying vehicles. Regardless, they viewed everything as just another car. In 2021, Xpeng announced plans to develop a road-legal vehicle equipped with deployable rotors integrated into its roof design. Despite initial efforts, locking rotors proved challenging to master, as the potential for vibration-related injuries persisted when driving on highways.
Xpeng modular flying automotive recap
With its focus shifted from Xpeng AeroHT, the company has redirected its attention to the innovative modular flying vehicle known as the Land Plane Service (LPS), marking a significant new direction in their pursuit of mobility innovation. Formally launched on September 3, the new product debuted at an estimated price point of approximately two million yuan, equivalent to around $280,000 USD. It consists of two components. Two distinct entities exist: the first is a self-service model comprising three axes, while the second is a sizable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to operate within that framework.
The eVTOL ride-sharing pioneer, Xpeng, announced plans to debut its Land Plane Service with a maiden public flight at the Zhuhai Air Show in November 2024. Following the successful launch, the company revealed that they had secured over 3,000 confirmed purchase orders as a direct result of the presentation. Cumulative reservation orders exceed 1,000 units in total. Despite these uncertainties, the mass production of the LAC remains slated for 2026.
On October 27, Xpeng AeroHT initiated construction of its modular automobile manufacturing facility.
Xpeng AeroHT plant
Xpeng AeroHT marks a milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new manufacturing facility located within the Guangzhou Development Zone. The corporation had originally planned to initiate the construction of the manufacturing plant in September. Although they initially broke ground in late October,
The company’s innovative modular automotive initiative has taken a significant leap forward with the unveiling of its brand-new production facility, dedicated exclusively to crafting the revolutionary flying plane component. The Xpeng G9, a highly anticipated electric vehicle, is expected to feature a unique big-three axle configuration, which will reportedly be assembled at one of the company’s existing manufacturing facilities. The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer currently operates two manufacturing facilities, one located in Zhaoqing and another in Guangzhou.
Again, the XPeng AeroHT’s upcoming manufacturing facility will cover a space of approximately 180,000 square feet. meters. The manufacturing facility will comprise four production workshops and supporting facilities for painting and general meetings. This facility’s designed capacity for producing items annually stands at a significant 10,000 units.
Initially, our team at CarNewsChina perceived the path ahead as unclear. The dearth of certified pilots, a nascent regulatory environment governing aerial vehicles in China, and the prohibitively high cost of the Land Plane Service all contribute to this issue. It’s unlikely that this individual will become a highly sought-after professional among their peers. Notwithstanding Xpeng’s statement, it has been reported to actively cooperate with key clients such as rescue companies. We anticipate robust demand for our Land Plane Service offerings.
The company’s Land Plane Service division has consistently demonstrated a commitment to providing top-notch logistical support to its clients. By leveraging its extensive network of resources and infrastructure, the service has successfully facilitated the transportation of goods across diverse terrains and environments. Whether navigating treacherous terrain or traversing vast distances, the team’s expertise in land plane operations ensures that cargo is delivered efficiently and effectively.
The aircraft’s dimensions are 5.5 metres in length, 2 metres in width, and approximately 2 metres in height. The design features a minimalist aesthetic, characterized by a boxy silhouette and streamlined A-pillars seamlessly integrating into the roofline. The service is primarily electric-vehicle (EREV)-based, built around the 800-volt platform. This electric vehicle has a certified maximum range of approximately 1,000 kilometers in the city and highway test cycle (CLTC). Due to the high-voltage system, the potential damage to the plane could result in a significant cost increase, ranging from 30% to 80%, within just 18 minutes.
The plane is all-electric. The spacecraft will autonomously touch down and secure its position alongside the servicing vessel. The helicopter’s rotors fold in to accommodate the trunk’s limited space. At full capacity, the plane can facilitate 5-6 commercial flights. There are two driving modes available: Guide Mode and Computerized Mode.
The Chinese market has witnessed significant growth in the innovative production of modular flying vehicles. Chery recently unveiled its concept for a personal, autonomous, and modular flying vehicle.
