When the World’s First Flying Taxi XPENG X2 eVTOL Will be Available for Public

XPENG AEROHT unveiled the world’s first flying taxi XPENG X2 eVTOL at the GITEX Global 2022 event held in Dubai

The world’s first flying taxi, the XPENG X2 was unveiled by XPENG AEROHT, the largest flying car company in Asia and an affiliate of XPENG. The first flight of the electric vertical take off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle was conducted at Skydive Dubai on 10 October 2022 as part of the GITEX Global 2022 event held last month. While the first flight was exhibited last month, the XPENG X2 was first revealed at a public exhibition in Shanghai, China in July 2021 and in Europe in March 2022.

The vehicle made its first flight after completing the specific operations risk assessment and achieving a special flying permit from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). This first flight was witnessed by over 150 attendees, including representatives from the Chinese Consulate in Dubai, the Dubai International Chamber of Commerce, the DCAA, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the Dubai World Trade Centre and global media.

Brian Gu, Vice Chairman and President of XPENG, commented: "XPENG X2's public display in Dubai represents a significant milestone for XPENG AEROHT and the international achievement of flying cars. Dubai is a world-renowned 'City of Innovation', which is the reason we decided to hold the X2 first public flight event here. The flight is a major step in XPENG's exploration of future mobility.”

Specifications of the World’s First Flying Taxi XPENG X2

The XPENG X2 is the fifth-generation flying car independently developed and manufactured by XPENG AEROHT. The X2 adopts an enclosed cockpit with a minimalist teardrop-shaped design and a sci-fi appearance that takes high-efficient aerodynamics into account to achieve the ultimate in-flight performance. In order to reduce weight, the XPENG X2 has a complete carbon fiber structure. The XPENG X2 does not produce any carbon dioxide emissions during flight. Some of the other specifications are as follows:

• Aircraft type: eVTOL multicopter
• Piloting: Autonomous
• Capacity: 2 passengers
• Maximum speed: 130 kp/h (81 mph)
• Flight Time: 35 minutes
• Cruise altitude: 300-500 m (984-1,640 ft)
• Empty weight: 360 kg (794 lb)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 560 kg (1,235 lb)
• Propellers: 8 propellers
• Electric Motors: 8 electric motors
• Power source: Batteries
• Fuselage: Carbon fiber composite
• Windows: Canopy over cockpit
• Landing gear: Fixed skid landing

Furthermore, The XPENG X2 is equipped with two driving modes: manual and autonomous. During the autonomous flight, passengers can enjoy a safe and intelligent flying experience with simple start, return and landing operations at the touch of a button.

When Can We Expect the World’s First Flying Taxi XPENG X2?

The company says that the public may have access to the XPENG X2 by the year 2025. The price range for the XPENG X2 is expected to be in the range of $126,000.00 - $236,000.00 US dollars, and the serial production is expected to begin in 2024. 

(Dataquest was hosted by the Dubai World Trade Centre to witness the first flight of the World’s First Flying Taxi XPENG X2 as part of the GITEX Global 2022 event that featured 5,000 companies and 100,000 attendees from 170 countries)