At the 2024 International Trade and Economic Fair held in the Beijing Airport Economic Zone, Xpeng AeroHT, the aviation division of Xpeng, unveiled the Xpeng X2, its highly anticipated flying car. This marked the first demonstration of a flying car in the Beijing region, showcasing China’s ambition to develop a “low-altitude economy.”
Although the Xpeng X2 had flown publicly before, this event was significant as it aligned with Beijing’s strategic goals. In May 2024, the Beijing administration released the first draft of the “Beijing Promotes the High-Quality Development of the Low-Altitude Economy Industry (2024-2027)” plan. This initiative aims to position the Chinese capital as a hub for innovation in low-altitude, or urban, flight vehicles.
The Xpeng X2: An Innovative Leap in Urban Mobility
Initially known as the Xpeng Voyager 2, the Xpeng X2 bears more resemblance to a drone than a traditional car. It features a sleek two-seat design primarily constructed from carbon materials.
The X2 measures 5172 mm in length, 5124 mm in width, and 1362 mm in height, with an empty weight of 680 kg and a maximum load capacity of 160 kg. Unlike most consumer drones, which typically have four motors, the X2 is an octocopter, providing extra thrust and redundancy. For added safety, it includes an integrated parachute system in case of motor failure.
With a flight range of 25 minutes, the X2 has completed nearly 4,000 test flights in various scenarios, including urban areas, marine regions, and deserts. Xpeng AeroHT plans to offer a long-range version for the mass market, potentially using a larger battery, slated for release in the coming years. However, the company will first produce the Land Carrier—a hybrid of a drone-like car and a transport vehicle—expected in 2025.
The final market debut of the Xpeng X2 is anticipated for 2026/2027, signaling a significant step towards the integration of flying cars into urban transportation networks and the broader development of the low-altitude economy.
