This week, XPeng made a lot of news when its XPENG X2 flying automobile made its maiden public flight in the entire world. You may view a video of the event, which was amusing, below. One can’t help but feel like the future has come to Dubai after seeing the flying electric automobile. Right away, the cartoon The Jetsons comes to mind. Without a doubt, I have a natural inclination to be really enthusiastic about the XPENG X2 and, more broadly, the potential for flying cars that regular people can afford and operate. Other areas of my brain, though, keep slamming the breaks. The fun accomplishment of the XPENG X2 flying car is showcased in the amazing images and visualizations below as well as a brand-new film before we put our feet back on solid ground.
This is the actual video of the XPENG X2’s flight to Dubai, however even though it’s just a visualization, I have to admit that the following video is way cooler.
Keeping with the good aspects first, I believe the X2’s autonomous capabilities really deserve to be highlighted in addition to the fact that it is a gorgeous electric car with true flight capabilities. When I see a vehicle like this, one of my first thoughts is, “Well, come on, you need a pilot’s license to use this,” followed by, “But how safe is this flying car – how probable is it that someone will crash? I find it encouraging that the XPENG X2 can fly itself if you choose with those ideas in mind.
There are two driving modes available on the XPENG X2: manual and automated. With simple start, return, and landing operations at the touch of a button, passengers can experience safe and intelligent flying during the autonomous trip.
I would want to use that autonomous mode! When I press a button, a flying automobile transports me to my desired location. Please say yes.
There are many other tempting aspects of the X2, and this assertion from XPeng is convincing: “The XPENG X2 is a two-seater flying car. It advances the cause of urban green transportation because it does not emit any carbon dioxide while in flight. Future low-altitude city planes can use it, and it’s ideal for short-distance city trips like sightseeing and medical transport.
For the first time, 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 best in-flight performance. The XPENG X2 is the fifth generation flying car independently developed and manufactured by XPENG AEROHT. The XPENG X2 has an all carbon fiber frame to decrease weight.
Good news thus far, But how useful is the X2 in real life? What will the price be? Who will be able to truly afford it? It’s unlikely that the Toyota Corolla will be replaced anytime soon. Yes, new technology is initially pricey before costs decline and reach the people over time, but the cost of flying automobiles like these will probably never reach a level suitable for the public market. Small aircraft have not. Not helicopters. Many individuals today hardly have access to even basic autos. Will the very wealthy ever have access to or use flying automobiles, though?
Where will millionaires and billionaires be able to use the X2 or anything similar, even if it costs $250,000, or $150,000 if we want to get ambitious? They might be able to fly from their expansive lawn to a nearby golf course. Is it possible…? Will country clubs reserve any room for flying cars? What would they think of people flying close to their golf course and ruining the peaceful, natural setting of a country club? How many rooftop pads for such vehicles will there be, and will those be located where it is practical—where you want to fly? What will the laws of the sky be assuming all of the aforementioned things happen and work somehow? People won’t be able to cross the city in a flying free-for-all, soar erratically above busy retail malls, or weave around other people in an urban setting like in Delhi and hope for the best.
Yes, the images and concepts are fantastic, however I’m not sure where flying electric cars will be used in the real world. Will they continue to be just a silly sideshow? Will they be able to play any real-world, beneficial roles in society?
All pictures are from XPeng.
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