Xpeng announced that their flying car had completed its first public demonstration flight in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Soso, a flying car built by Chinese electronic vehicle maker Xpeng Inc, made its first public flight in Abu Dhabi. The company was on track to deploy the electric aircraft internationally and is currently testing on domestic markets such as UAE and China.
The company’s two-seater electric flying car, X2, took off from Dubai Marina on Monday evening. The 90-minute test flight was described as an ‘important base for the next generation of flying cars’ by its manufacturer.
Video Credit: AI Monitor.
The X2 is equipped with an intelligent flight control system and autonomous flight capabilities. The X2 is still under development, but it’s thought that it will be able to accelerate from 0-60 in less than 5 seconds and travel at top speeds of 160km/hr.
X2, the flying car, is a two-seater electric vehicle with the capability of vertical take-off by using eight propellers – two at each corner of the vehicle.
Xpeng’s flying taxi will not release carbon dioxide during flight. A maximum weight of about 1,675 lbs. can take off from a single runway and achieve a cruising speed of 80 miles per hour for 35 minutes.
The company’s dream is to ferry passengers across town to help them avoid the highly congested roadways.
However, there are still major obstacles that need to be overcome before it’s out for the public, which includes improved battery life, air traffic control, and safety, along with infrastructure issues.
Here is what Executive Vice President of Events Management, Trixie LohMirmand, said at Dubai World Trade Centre, “GITEX has played host to pivotal moments over the years. Today, we are proud to support the first public flight of the pioneering flying car XPENG AEROHT X2 in partnership with the Dubai International Chamber.”
Dr. Brian Gu, Vice Chairman and President of XPeng, is thankful to its strategic partner, Dubai International Chamber, for helping them to navigate the Dubai market as well as for the valuable support they received while facilitating the successful test flight in Dubai.
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