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Xpeng eVTOLs Collide In Mid-Air — The First-Ever Flying Car Crash?
Two of Xpeng's flying car-style autonomous aircraft collided during a rehearsal flight in Changchun, Jilin Province. This is the first reported crash involving the company's eVTOL program and may well be the first crash between two eVTOL/flying cars.
The two aircraft are foldable electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) models developed to pair with Xpeng's six-wheeled Land Aircraft Carrier. Each unit comes with six rotors, folding arms, and the ability to fly in both manual and autonomous control modes.
Image Source: @fl360aero on X
The incident took place during a formation drill. Both aircraft were flying in close proximity when they clipped each other mid-air. One machine spiralled down before bursting into flames, while the second managed a controlled landing without major damage.
Xpeng attributed the crash to the aircraft flying too close during the rehearsal sequence. Officials have not clarified whether the aircraft were operating autonomously or under pilot control at the time.
Image Source: @fl360aero on X
The Land Aircraft Carrier program is being marketed as a breakthrough in personal air mobility. Xpeng's Land Aircraft Carrier is designed as a six-wheeled transport vehicle that carries the eVTOL in its rear bay, allowing it to unfold and take flight for short-range trips.
Production for the XPeng eVTOL is scheduled to start in 2026. The flying car is priced at around 2 million yuan, which comes to around ₹2.46 crore as per the current exchange rates. The firm has already accepted thousands of pre-orders.
To support its aerial mobility ambitions, Xpeng is constructing a large facility in Guangzhou. Spread over 180,000 square meters, the factory will have an annual production capacity of up to 10,000 units once it becomes fully operational.
The accident marks the first known midair collision between two eVTOL aircraft. Until now, reported incidents have involved single prototypes crashing during tests. The Xpeng AeroHT mishap sets a precedent, highlighting the risks as multiple autonomous flying vehicles begin operating in shared airspace.
Xpeng Flying Car Program: Key Facts
- Aircraft Type: Foldable eVTOL with autonomous capability
- Carrier Vehicle: Six-wheeled Land Aircraft Carrier
- Power: Six rotors with folding arms
- Price: 2 million yuan (approx ₹2.46 crore)
- Production Starts: 2026
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