XPeng unveiled a fully-functional hybrid airborne hatchback under its 'AeroHT' flying car division. This car appears as a large hatchback SUV attached to two even larger drone-like rotors. Despite this large, bulky design, AeroHT's flying car weighs only 4,000 Lbs, which is not much larger than an SUV itself.
The flying car is controlled surprisingly intuitively. When on the ground, the controls are the same as a regular car with a steering wheel, acceleration pedal, and brake pedal. When going airborne, altitude is controlled with a lever next to the steering wheel, which, when combined with the steering wheel, allows for all-axis transportation. The lever specifically enables the vehicle to travel along the vertical plane, meaning XPeng's flying car is effectively a VTOL.
Flight-Equipped Hatchbacks
XPeng Unveiled a Flying Car Under its AeroHT Automotive Division
Trend Themes
1. Flying Hatchbacks - The emergence of flying hatchbacks presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the aerospace industry, including urban air mobility and personal air transportation.
2. Hybrid Flying Cars - Advancements in hybrid technology and aerial capabilities create opportunities in the automotive industry for car manufacturers and components suppliers to innovate and differentiate their offerings.
3. Intuitive Flying Controls - The development of intuitive controls for flying cars and vehicles presents opportunities for technology companies and startups to offer innovative software and user interfaces that simplify the flying experience.
Industry Implications
1. Aerospace - Companies in the aerospace industry have an opportunity to develop new technologies and infrastructure to support the emerging market for flying hatchbacks and personal air transportation.
2. Automotive - The automotive industry can leverage advancements in hybrid powertrains and aerial capabilities to create new products and services that meet consumer demands for innovative transportation options.
3. Technology - Technology companies and startups have a significant opportunity to create intuitive user interfaces, software and controls for flying cars that improve the user experience and accelerate adoption of this new transportation mode.