Imagine cruising through the streets of Dubai in a sleek sports car and then seamlessly taking off over the Creek without encountering a Salik gate.
This futuristic vision may soon become a reality, as Xpeng Aeroht showcased its prototype flying car at the e& stand during the Gitex Technology Exhibition, which kicked off on Monday.
"This is a working prototype that will be available for sale in 2030,”
announced Fengting Tang, a spokesperson for Xpeng Aeroht. The vehicle, designed to resemble a conventional sports car, features hidden propellers that unfold when it’s time to take flight. The steering wheel retracts, allowing the driver to control the vehicle using a joystick. This innovative two-seater can vertically ascend to altitudes of up to 1,000 meters and operates solely on electricity, marking a significant leap towards sustainable urban mobility.
In addition to the flying car, Xpeng Aeroht introduced its Modular Flying Car, touted as the world’s first drive-and-fly modular vehicle. This unique design enables the air vehicle to fit within the ground vehicle, allowing passengers to switch effortlessly between driving and flying modes.
Also on display was the air scooter, a single-seater vehicle produced by the French company Zapata, renowned for its flyboards. Available for preorder, the air scooter is set to be delivered by 2025.
“Currently, it is designed only for recreational purposes,”
stated a company spokesperson.
“Customers will have the opportunity to visit a flight center to fly the air scooter over picturesque routes, with the option to purchase one for personal use in approved areas.”
Zapata is also exploring plans to expand the air scooter's capabilities for mobility purposes.
“We are hoping to launch it as a taxi service, but we are still in discussions with regulatory authorities about its feasibility,”
the spokesperson added.
“If approved, we plan to redesign the scooter to accommodate more than one passenger.”
As technology advances, Gitex 2024 serves as a glimpse into the future of urban transportation, with flying cars and air scooters paving the way for innovative travel solutions in the coming years.
News Source: Khaleej Times
