Chinese electric car start-up Xpeng shows off new flying vehicle

[left-of-center2012]

Alibaba-backed Xpeng is putting money into flying car technology as part of the company’s long-term strategy. The electric automaker revealed Saturday at the Beijing Auto Show the first in a series of electric flying vehicles the start-up said it is developing.

With eight propellers and a capsule-like frame, the vehicle resembles a human-carrying drone more than a flying car. The prototype was developed by Xpeng Heitech, a technology unit majority-owned by Xpeng and CEO He Xiaopeng.

The flying vehicle can hold up to two passengers and is designed for low altitudes of 5 meters to 25 meters (16.4 feet to 82 feet), according to Xpeng. The project is in a concept phase, and the company said it will evaluate prospects of the space before proceeding with any substantial investment.

“We think in the future not only electric vehicles will have the smart mobility autonomous driving features, but with other technology, enable other devices that can create a multi-dimensional ecosystem, that will be very exciting,” Brian Gu, vice chairman and president of Xpeng said. “That’s why we are investing in that area, and doing some exploration.”

Regulation has been a major hurdle for the development of human-carrying drones and self-driving cars.

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/09/26/chinese-electric-car-start-up-xpeng-shows-off-new-flying-vehicle-.html

[SoonerPride]

1. Meet George Jetson!

I want a flying car.

[kimbutgar]

2. Remember when the US was innovative?

Now because the repukes hate science we can’t be leading the world in electric vehicle technology or alternative energy because the oil companies want to keep making money and polluting our air leading to the warming of the earth. My state is on fire again today and we were warned but the repukes said no.

[left-of-center2012]

3. Meanwhile Trump promised to bring coal back again

Trump's going to get coal in his Christmas stocking.