Chinese Automakers Accelerate Push into Flying Cars, Targeting Mass Production by 2026
Chinese automakers are rapidly moving into the low-altitude economy, with several companies unveiling flying car prototypes and setting ambitious timelines for mass production and commercial operation.
XPeng Aeroht, an affiliate of EV maker XPeng, recently conducted the first overseas crewed public flight of its "Land Aircraft Carrier" in Dubai. The company also launched its international brand, "ARIDGE," and secured agreements for 600 units with Middle Eastern firms, marking the largest overseas bulk purchase in the sector.
The push extends beyond new-energy players. GAC Group has started pre-sales for its first mass-produced flying car, the GOVY AirCab, priced at up to RMB 1.68 million yuan (approximately US $233,000). The vehicle, featuring a modular design for a three-minute switch between ground and air modes, is slated to begin demonstration operations in the Greater Bay Area in 2025. It is designed for urban commutes of 10-30 kilometers.
Traditional auto giants are also entering the race. China FAW Group plans the maiden flight of its split-body "Hongqi Tiannian 1" model within 2025, which boasts an aerial range of over 200 kilometers. Similarly, Changan Automobile aims to conduct a test flight of its own vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle by the end of 2025, which will have a 30km range and integrate AI-powered autonomous systems.
Strategic partnerships are forming to bolster technological development. Changan Automobile has partnered with EHang to develop key technologies, with a product expected by 2026. Changan has also disclosed a longer-term goal of launching commercial flying car services by 2030 and is developing humanoid robots to build a comprehensive "air, land, and sea" transportation ecosystem.
Underpinning this industrial pivot is significant government support and private investment. At least 30 provinces and municipalities have incorporated the low-altitude economy into policy frameworks, with nearly 20 cities establishing dedicated funds to attract capital. Reinforcing this trend, XPeng Aeroht recently closed a $250 million Series B funding round and announced its mass production factory is set for completion in the fourth quarter of 2025, paving the way for deliveries of its "Land Aircraft Carrier" to begin in 2026.