XPeng's flying car takes flight in Dubai

In the closing scenes of the 1985 sci-fi film “Back to the Future,” the eccentric inventor Doc Brown declares, 'Where we’re going, we don’t need roads,' just as the time-traveling DeLorean lifts off the ground. While flying cars aren't quite a common sight yet, they are becoming a reality. Last week in Dubai, at the GITEX technology expo, the Chinese-built XPeng X2 successfully completed its first public test flight as a two-passenger flying car, even boasting the iconic gull-wing doors seen on the DeLorean.

The XPeng X2 takes off vertically with the help of eight propellers, eliminating the need for a traditional runway. This makes it ideal for urban environments. Fully electric, the vehicle is capable of ascending at a rate of two meters per second and can reach speeds of up to 80 mph, designed for two passengers.

The test flight lasted only 90 seconds, but according to Liu Xinyin, XPeng Aeroht's chief aviation specialist, the technology is nearly ready for public use. However, regulations governing flying cars are still a long way from being finalized.

XPeng plans to collaborate with governments to establish a regulatory framework for flying cars in urban areas, with Liu forecasting that within five years, flying cars will be able to operate in limited, regulated spaces. This aligns with China’s ambitious goal of launching flying taxis by 2025.

Beyond its ability to fly, the XPeng X2 comes equipped with AI-powered automation. It can be manually piloted or switched to self-driving mode. 'It learns to avoid traffic, buildings, and pedestrians,' explains Liu.

The self-driving features of the XPeng X2 introduce new challenges in terms of regulation and raise concerns about public acceptance. While many are still wary about the safety of autonomous cars on the ground, the idea of self-driving vehicles flying overhead adds another layer of unease. However, XPeng asserts that it’s actually safer for the flying car to be self-piloted by AI rather than a human operator.

Around the globe, dozens of flying car projects are currently in the works, with many already capable of flight. Examples include the 'BlackFly' from Canadian company Opener, SkyDrive Inc's 'SD-03,' and the 'AirCar' prototype by Klein Vision, which successfully completed a 35-minute test flight between two cities in Slovakia last year.

The advantages of flying cars like the XPeng X2 go beyond fulfilling futuristic fantasies. Proponents believe these vehicles could transform urban transportation, reducing road congestion and enhancing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and electric cars. Moreover, electric models like the XPeng X2 could contribute to lowering carbon emissions.