Over the past few years, there is no doubt that China has become a relevant innovation power in the field of transportation. The largest automobile market in the world is leading electrification in terms of units sold, since this Asian giant alone sells no less than 60% of the electric cars sold worldwide.
But that’s not all, since this country is also gaining prominence in an emerging industry that has immense potential. We are referring to the electric flying vehicle sector. A large number of Chinese companies are developing this type of alternatives and one of the most prominent firms is Xpeng Aeroht.
Its most recent development is called, for now, X3-F (probably not the final name), and it is a futuristic and striking combination of vehicles. On the one hand, we have the so-called ground module, which is a kind of 6×6 pick-up with clear off-road capabilities and rear-wheel steering included.
The car has the capacity to carry up to five passengers. For now, details about the power the car will have have not been made public. What is known is that it will have an electric propulsion system that will be used both for its own mobility needs and for those of an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flying vehicle that it will have incorporated.
And the large rear cargo space is not designed as a simple trunk, but has been designed to house a fully functional flying vehicle inside. This aerial module, which can interact autonomously with the car, unfold and separate to fly, can transport two passengers thanks to the lifting force provided by a set made up of six propellers (three on each side).
Of the aerial vehicle, also electric, we know that it can fly manually, piloted or autonomously, although at the moment its autonomy and maximum flight altitude are unknown. According to the manufacturer, one of the possible uses is that families or groups of friends can travel in the pick-up and, later, take aerial rides with the flying vehicle.
Upon return, it can be plugged directly into the pick-up itself, which in addition to being a storage area also acts as a charger for the eVTOL. It imitates, in a certain way, the concept of having a yacht with its own small boat to take fun rides once at your destination. At first glance, it might seem like a somewhat eccentric project that will remain just that, but as reported by Xpeng, the firm is already in the process of homologating this original electrified proposal in China.
The manufacturer plans to move quite quickly, stating that advance reservations will begin in the fourth quarter of this year and that both the start of mass production and the first deliveries are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025. If you are interested in seeing the X3-F in full action (for now, only in digital image), you can do it in the video that accompanies this article.
