XPeng X1 flight vehicle displaying on 2021 Shanghai International Aotumotive Exhibition Photo: Courtesy of XPeng Motor

Chinese NEV company XPeng Motors is planning to launch its next generation of flight vehicles by the end of 2021, with more functions and carrying passengers, the CEO of XPeng Motors He Xiaopeng announced on Monday.

At the media day of 2021 Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai), He Xiaopeng revealed the latest type of NEV XPeng P5 and the latest flight vehicle XPeng X1 which is currently used in air travel, emergency rescue and sightseeing.

He said the next generation flight vehicle will be released at the end of 2021 and will seat two passengers. He noted that the test drive and flights would also be opened to public. 

At present, more than one company had entered the industry of flight vehicle. Chinese automobile company Geely had cooperated with German aircraft manufacturer Volocopter to produce flight vehicles. Geely also purchased aircraft corporation Terrafugia in 2017 and the product was issued aircraft license from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of US in 2021 January. 

XPeng is also developing a close-combined product of NEV and flight vehicle, which can realize vertical take-off and landing, and can be parked into garage and charged like normal NEV, said He.