Chinese 'Flying Car' Tested In Dubai: Know All About It

A China-made flying car has taken its first flight in Dubai. Chinese electronic vehicle maker Xpeng Inc aims to launch the futuristic vehicle in international markets.

A ‘flying car’ named X2, developed by Chinese electronic vehicle maker, Xpeng Inc has made its first public flight in Dubai. The makers showed a glimpse of what the future could look like by displaying the flying taxi on Monday, news agency ANI reported citing Khaleej Times.

Xpeng Inc is aiming to launch the car in international markets and sees Dubai as an important base for the next generation of flying cars. "First we selected Dubai city because Dubai is the most innovative city in the world," the general manager of Xpeng Aeroht was quoted as saying by Reuters.

The unmanned test flight in Dubai was described by its manufacturer as an "important base for the next generation of flying cars". Videos on social media displayed the sleek-looking flying car making an unmanned, 90-minute test flight.

Features of electric taxi, capacity & more

The latest version is the futuristic electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle (eVTOL), which has autonomous flight capabilities and an intelligent flight control system.

The autonomous two-seater car X2 is built for low-altitude cities and produces no carbon dioxide.

The car has a maximum takeoff weight of 760 kg, a 560 kg empty weight, and a 130 km/h top flight speed, according to the report.

The electric vertical has a 35-minute flight time and is made of premium carbon fibre and is fitted with an airframe parachute. The aircraft is lifted by eight propellers - two at each corner of the vehicle.

Flying cars could be available for commercial use in the next two to three years, the report noted. Executive director for international offices at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Omar Abdulaziz AlKhan was quoted in the report as saying: "It depends on how fast we can adapt the framework of commercialized urban flying. There will be more tests happening in Dubai, and then it will be commercialized," he said adding that in his opinion, it can be used commercially in Dubai within the next two to three years.

This is not the first flying car made and several cars have been developed, but only a handful have been successfully tested with passengers on board.