We hopped into Xpeng Aero HT's 'flying car' at CES
CES loves a flying car, doesn't it?
At this year's consumer tech showcase, we took a look at Xpeng Aero HT's Land Aircraft Carrier, and got inside the cockpit of the company's modular eVTOL (that's electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing for the uninitiated). An electric vehicle that's equally at home cruising the highway or soaring through the sky? Groundbreaking, sure — but also peak CES.
Let’s clear one thing up: the massive, six-wheeled EV isn't technically a flying car. Xpeng's so-called "Mothership"— a minivan-like vehicle that gives off strong Cybertruck vibes — doesn't leave the ground. What it does do, though, is carry a two-seater eVTOL aircraft that actually takes to the skies. Still, it's undeniably cool. After chatting with co-founder and CEO Wang Tan, it’s obvious that Xpeng is all-in on its mission to give drivers the "freedom to fly."
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Because the Mothership is a near-final prototype, we couldn't take a proper peek inside. But we did get to sit in the two-person aircraft itself, where Tan walked us through the basics. Xpeng's goal is to make flying as simple as possible. The controls are minimal — a one-handed joystick for maneuvering, automated flight systems for short, self-guided trips, and backup button controls conveniently placed on the center console.
But before you start dreaming of zipping through city skylines, pump the brakes. Xpeng envisions the eVTOL as more of a recreational escape, far from crowded urban spaces. And let’s be real—most drivers can barely handle two dimensions, let alone three. Oh, and you’ll need a Light Sport Aircraft license too.
The Mothership and eVTOL combo boasts a combined range of 1,000 kilometers — just over 620 miles. But here’s the kicker: the EV isn't just a ride; it's a mobile charging station for the eVTOL. Together, they form Xpeng's ambitious "phase 1" in the quest to make personal flight a reality. Phase 2? A car that actually flies.
So far, Xpeng claims over 3,000 intent orders and plans to start shipping in China by 2026. As for the price tag? Brace yourself — the Land Aircraft Carrier is expected to land somewhere around $300,000.
Hey, nobody ever said the future is cheap.
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Topics CES Electric Vehicles
Chance Townsend is the General Assignments Editor at Mashable, covering tech, video games, dating apps, digital culture, and whatever else comes his way. He has a Master's in Journalism from the University of North Texas and is a proud orange cat father. His writing has also appeared in PC Mag and Mother Jones.
In his free time, he cooks, loves to sleep, and greatly enjoys Detroit sports. If you have any tips or want to talk shop about the Lions, you can reach out to him on Bluesky @offbrandchance.bsky.social or by email at [email protected].
