In a significant leap towards turning the long-envisioned dream of flying cars into reality, CES 2024 witnessed groundbreaking demonstrations from companies like XPeng and Supernal, showcasing their Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) innovations.
XPeng, a leading Chinese eVTOL technology company, stole the limelight with the debut of its “Land Aircraft Carrier” concept, slated for mass production in 2025. Comprising a ground module and an air module, the ground module serves as a battery-electric vehicle accommodating up to five passengers, featuring an extended-range electric powertrain and a three-axle, six-wheel configuration for enhanced all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering. The air module, an eVTOL aircraft, supports vertical takeoff and landing, low-altitude flights, and adheres to stringent safety standards. Offering manual and autonomous flight modes, the aircraft boasts a panoramic two-person cockpit for an immersive flying experience. Pre-orders for this futuristic venture are set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024, with an estimated price point of around $140,500.
In a surprising turn, XPeng also presented a flying car concept, equipped with propellers, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their CES exhibit.
Supernal, a participant in Hyundai Motor Group’s Advanced Air Mobility division, seized the CES stage to introduce its latest eVTOL innovation, the S-A2. This V-tail aircraft is designed to cruise at 120 miles per hour at 1,500 feet, catering to city operational needs for trips ranging from 25 to 40 miles. The S-A2 employs a distributed electric propulsion architecture with eight all-tilting rotors, ensuring vertical lift and horizontal cruise efficiency. Noteworthy is its commitment to noise reduction, operating at levels comparable to a dishwasher during take-off and landing and even quieter during horizontal cruising, maintaining 65 dB and 45 dB, respectively. Supernal anticipates entering the aviation market by 2028.
CES 2024 has effectively challenged the conventional perception of flying cars as distant dreams, bringing forth tangible demonstrations from industry leaders like Supernal and XPeng. With these developments, flying vehicles might become a reality within the next five years, although accessibility may initially come at a premium.