Mysterious New Car Resembling Cybertruck
Hailed as the Flying Car of the Chinese Brand Xiaopeng
High Globa Expectation for the Actualization of Functionalities
The flying car from the Chinese electric vehicle brand Xiaopeng unveiled at the 2024 CES, has become a hot topic due to its resemblance to Tesla’s Cybertruck model. In addition to its unique exterior, it has a unique feature: it can fly in the sky when needed while driving on land.
Unlike previous flying cars, where the car transformed into a flying vehicle, this one has a large drone capable of flight in its spacious cargo area. A two-seater large drone capable of vertical take-off and landing can be deployed for flight when needed.
Capable of Flying with a Large Drone
Applied a 6-Wheel System with Massive Wheels
Despite skepticism about the commercialization of such seemingly unrealistic technology, the fact that test cars of the flying car have been spotted has raised expectations that this feature could become a reality. However, there are clear limitations. Critics argue that it’s merely an extension of the cargo space to accommodate an additional drone, which does the actual flying.
The design of the spotted test car has also attracted attention. It is equipped with massive wheels and has applied a 6-wheel system by adding wheels to the rear. This specification was used to distribute the increased load more stably when a large drone, a flying vehicle, is loaded at the rear. The rear end has a sharp angle close to a right angle, similar to Tesla’s Cybertruck, and the roof line is also angular. Given that a drone is loaded, it has a huge cargo space, and the vehicle length has been extended.
Disappointing Quality
Raising Safety Concerns
There are also concerns. Although it is a prototype, there were many quality issues, such as the line of the fender not being smooth and gaps in the doors, which led some to raise safety issues due to it being a Chinese brand. A drone capable of carrying passengers can lead to life-threatening accidents if there are issues, so careful inspection seems necessary.
Nevertheless, Xiaopeng, the flying car maker, insists that the vehicle is safe. They explained that while the drone is being loaded in the trunk, its highly rigid body protects it from shock and can prevent contamination from snow and rain.
Mass Production Begins in Next Year’s Fourth Quarter
Hyundai Also Makes a Flying Car
Xiaopeng is preparing to sell a 5-seater car module and a 2-seater model with expanded cargo space for drone loading. They announced plans to start taking pre-orders for the flying car in the fourth quarter of this year and to begin mass production and delivery in the fourth quarter of next year. In Korea, Hyundai unveiled a concept image of a flying car last year, aiming for 2028.
