HMD recently unveiled three new smartphones in the global market, the HMD Pulse, Pulse+, and Pulse Pro. The three phones come with “Gen 1 repairability,” making them extremely repair-friendly smartphones.

Gen 1 repairability means that users can get extra parts from sites like iFixit and fix their own devices, such as by replacing the screen or battery.

While this is an excellent feature, when these phones went on sale, the first customers noticed a small issue. Much to their surprise, the bottom bezel on the real model turned out to be way thicker than the promo images.

HMD has since apologized and updated its website with accurate renderings. But do you think HMD engaged in deceptive advertising?

More details in our story here.

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China will soon see flying cars in the sky.

Chinese EV giants Xpeng and its affiliate AeroHT are set to transform city transportation with their ambitious entry into the flying car industry. AeroHT is close to achieving airworthiness certification for its innovative flying car, marking a major advancement in urban air technology.

More details about the flying car and its status are in our story here.

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Chinese EV giants Xpeng and its affiliate AeroHT are set to transform city transportation with their ambitious entry into the flying car industry. AeroHT is close to achieving airworthiness certification for its innovative flying car, marking a major advancement in urban air technology.

AeroHT, a subsidiary of Xpeng, has been developing its flying car for a decade, with recent successful low-altitude flight tests in Guangzhou’s busy central business district showcasing its progress. The company’s CEO, He Xiaopeng, underscored the transformative potential of low-altitude air travel during his address at Auto China 2024, highlighting its profound impact on daily urban life.

The forthcoming AeroHT flying car, set to commence pre-orders in the fourth quarter of this year, promises a dual-mode electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle capable of seamlessly transitioning between ground and air travel. While exact launch dates and pricing details are yet to be disclosed, insiders suggest a price range estimated at around 1 million yuan ($138,000), with plans for further cost reductions in the pipeline.

Xpeng’s scope reaches beyond flying cars, with its robotics division focused on creating robots for household tasks and human interaction. This multi-faceted approach underscores Xpeng’s commitment to innovation across various sectors, solidifying its position as a pioneer in cutting-edge technologies.

In a broader context, Chinese companies like Xpeng and AeroHT are spearheading the commercialization of flying cars globally, leveraging China’s unparalleled expertise in EV technologies. With the Civil Aviation Administration of China reviewing type certification for AeroHT’s eVTOL vehicle, and Xpeng gearing up for pre-orders, the stage is set for a paradigm shift in urban mobility.

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People have been dreaming about flying cars for almost 100 years whenever they think about the future. Now, lots of companies are working on making flying cars real because go this collective dream. In fact, in places like Dubai, some companies already made the first versions of these flying cars. However, a widely accessible flying car is not currently on the market. Fortunately, you won’t have to wait much longer because Xpeng has announced the launch of the first modular flying car designed for individual mass production. Here are the details…

Xpeng Aeroht Paves the Way for Everyday Flying Cars in 2025

One of China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, Xpeng, has long been known to be working on a flying car. As we mentioned recently, the company aims to begin mass production of these flying cars by the fourth quarter of 2025. The good news is that you won’t have to wait that long to get your hands on one. Because Xpeng Aeroht has revealed that you can pre-order its modular flying car in the fourth quarter of 2024, and deliveries are set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025.

When we say Modular flying car, we understand that it might be a bit confusing. However, don’t worry because there’s no catch; this concept is indeed a flying car. Moreover, it addresses some of the most serious challenges related to this technology. We’re not in a science fiction movie, so we haven’t developed a magical motor technology to lift a several-ton car off the ground.

That’s why, in today’s flying cars, we use the working principle of propellers, similar to the ones used in drones. However, this design allows it to be more of a giant flying drone than a conventional car. Xpeng’s modular flying car combines both, as shown in the concept video above. You can deploy a drone from the car’s trunk whenever you want, allowing you to realize your dream of a “flying car” to some extent, technically.

The Air module is an electric piloted aircraft with vertical takeoff capabilities and low-altitude flight. Its electric propulsion system follows safety standards to prevent single-point failures. The aircraft offers both manual and automatic driving modes, providing a versatile flying experience. Additionally, its 270° panoramic two-person cockpit ensures a wide field of view.

Certainly, there are things we don’t know about the vehicle, such as who can use it and where. Imagine thousands of people in your city commuting to work and school in flying cars – the potential for “traffic accidents” would likely break records throughout the day. However, usage without a special license is expected to be prohibited within city limits. Although the flight duration is currently uncertain, it’s anticipated to be more of an exploration and observation vehicle than a means of transportation. The video emphasizes this aspect. Nonetheless, who knows, maybe in the near future, we’ll truly travel everywhere with flying cars.

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XPeng Motors is setting its sights on the sky with a major collaboration to bring its XPeng Huitian Flying Car to market. This ambitious project aims to redefine transportation by offering a modular flying vehicle capable of both road and air travel.

XPeng Huitian Flying Car targets mass production in Q4 2025

The company through an announcement on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, has detailed a significant collaboration between Guangdong XPeng and Guangdong Huitian, both under XPeng Motors’ umbrella. This partnership is formalized on January 2, 2024.

Guangdong Huitian, controlled by He Xiaopeng, the major shareholder of XPeng Motors, is primarily focused on the research and development of flying cars. Guangdong XPeng, a subsidiary of XPeng Motors, will contribute its expertise in design and technical development, playing a pivotal role in the assembly of these innovative vehicles.

The XPeng Huitian’s modular flying car “Land Aircraft Carrier” features a unique land-air integrated design, with a detachable and recombining land and flying body. The land body can carry 4-5 passengers, is equipped with a hybrid power system, and offers a three-axle six-wheel automotive design for enhanced mobility.

The flying body is a fully electric, manned aircraft with vertical take-off capability, suitable for low-altitude flight, and available in both manual and automatic driving modes. It can be charged within the cabin, safeguarding against environmental elements.

XPeng Huitian is targeting mass production by Q4 2025, with Guangdong XPeng handling the final assembly. This ambitious timeline reflects XPeng’s commitment to bringing this revolutionary technology to market as soon as possible.

Of course, challenges lie ahead. Regulatory hurdles, infrastructure development, and public safety concerns all need to be addressed. But with its innovative design and determined partners, XPeng Huitian is paving the way for a future where flying cars become commonplace, transforming how we live, work, and travel.

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We are so close to flying cars becoming functional in a viable reality. Californian startup Alef Aeronautics is just one of the few companies soaring to new heights with its all-electric flying car, the Model A eVTOL. Pre-orders for this groundbreaking vehicle have reached a staggering 2,500, amounting to an impressive $750 million in revenue upon delivery. Individual customers eagerly placed 2,100 deposits, while 400 cars were ordered by business entities. Additionally, a strategic partnership with a California car dealership ensures wider accessibility for interested buyers when the car is expected to hit the market in 2025.

The car offers a range of 110 miles in horizontal flight and 200 miles on the road

The pre-order process was met with excitement, offering two queue options: a $150 deposit for the regular line or $1,500 for priority access. Alef’s CEO, Jim Dukhovny, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming demand, adding, “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” The Model A eVTOL boasts an innovative wingless design, allowing it to take off vertically from virtually anywhere. Its electric capabilities offer a range of up to 110 miles in horizontal flight and an impressive 200 miles on the ground, aligning with the global demand for sustainable transportation solutions.

The Model A achieved a significant milestone with a limited special airworthiness certificate from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), marking it as the first-ever traditional electric car to receive such certification. Founded in 2015 and based in San Mateo, Alef Aeronautics has gained support from prominent investors such as Draper Associates, Impact VC, Draper B1, and Bronco Ventures, and has recently announced a new fundraising round to further its vision.

While the Model A’s pre-orders showcase the excitement surrounding this innovation, some technical details, like the propulsion system specifics, remain undisclosed. Enthusiasts eagerly await further information, including battery type, capacity, and motor power, to see this flying car become a reality. As Alef pioneers the future of personal transportation, it faces competition from other players in the market like Xpeng and GAC. The race to bring flying cars to the masses is on, and Alef Aeronautics is determined to lead the way.

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For a long time, people have dreamed of flying cars. This idea often pops up in famous sci-fi movies like Star Wars. Sadly, the technology isn’t quite there yet, even with ongoing research. However, we’re getting closer to making this dream a reality. Xiaopeng recently showcased a flying car prototype with four wheels and propellers. It can fly, but it still needs some fine-tuning. Here are the details…

Xiaopeng’s Flying Car Prototype Aims for Stability and Reduced Noise

Guangdong Huitian Aerospace Technology has been granted a patent for their innovative “flying car.” This remarkable vehicle combines the best of both worlds, boasting four wheels for road use and four propellers for flight. A car blogger recently shared a flight demonstration of the prototype, highlighting its capabilities while also pointing out areas for improvement. (You can watch the video of the vehicle by clicking here.)

Although the prototype differs slightly from the patent drawings, it maintains the key features of four wheels and propellers. The flight demonstration showed that the vehicle is capable of flying, but its stability and lack of vertical take-off indicate that there is room for enhancement.

During the demonstration, it was evident that the flying car generates a considerable amount of noise. Additionally, the powerful winds created by the propellers disturbed nearby branches. These factors emphasize the need for further development before the flying car is ready for mass production and everyday use.

In addition to the flying car, Xiaopeng Huitian has developed the Luhanger X2, a two-seater flying car that has received a chartered flight certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The Luhanger X2 has completed over 3,000 test flights since its first successful flight in June 2021. With impressive specs like a maximum take-off weight of 560kg, a battery life of 35 minutes, and a top flight speed of 130km/h, mass production is set to begin in 2024 at an affordable price point.

Xiaopeng’s flying car prototype offers an exciting glimpse into the future of transportation. Although the initial demonstration revealed its ability to fly, it also highlighted areas where refinement is needed before mass production can commence. As Xiaopeng Huitian continues to perfect their flying car technology, we can look forward to a revolutionary shift in how we travel.

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Technology has been revolutionizing transportation for centuries, from horse-drawn carriages to cars, trains, and airplanes. However, recent advancements have brought a new mode of transportation to the forefront: “Flying cars,” in the form of drones. Chinese air taxi developer Autoflight has recently set a new world record for a vertical takeoff and landing aerial vehicle by completing a 250.3-kilometer flight on a single charge with its electric aircraft. Here are the details…

China’s Autoflight Claims World Record 250 Km EVTOL Aircraft Flight on Single Charge

Chinese air taxi developer Autoflight has set a new world record by completing a 250.3-kilometer flight on a single charge. The electric aircraft, named Prosperity 4, achieved the distance recently, and Autoflight has released a video of the entire flight, including vertical takeoff, fixed-wing cruise, and vertical landing.

The previous record for the longest flight by an eVTOL was 248.8 km, set by California-based eVTOL developer Joby Aviation in 2021. Prosperity 4, a five-seat vehicle powered solely by electricity, has a maximum takeoff weight of 2 tons and a maximum speed of over 200 kilometers per hour. It does not require airfield and runway facilities for takeoff and landing, and is quieter, safer, more reliable, and less costly than a helicopter, according to Autoflight.

The company’s president, Omer Bar-Yohay, said the firm is working to get the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s airworthiness certification for the aircraft by 2025. Autoflight, which was founded in 2017, has an annual production capacity of 1,000 large eVTOL unmanned aerial vehicles at its manufacturing center in Kunshan, near Shanghai. The firm’s management hails from China, Europe, and the United States, according to its website.

This achievement is a significant milestone for the eVTOL industry, which is seeking to revolutionize urban air mobility with electric-powered aircraft that can take off and land vertically. With the ability to fly longer distances, eVTOLs could provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional helicopters, especially in densely populated areas where noise and air pollution are major concerns.

The record-breaking flight also demonstrates the potential of Chinese companies to compete in the emerging eVTOL market, which is currently dominated by American firms. As Autoflight continues to develop its aircraft and secure airworthiness certification, it could become a major player in the growing eVTOL industry. As more companies enter the market and develop new technologies, we can expect to see even more impressive achievements in the future.

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Flying cars have been touted as the ultimate mode of transportation for the future. They present an innovative solution to address issues of traffic, congestion, pollution, and other problems that plague urban transportation. With their ability to cover shorter distances in a shorter amount of time, flying cars hold the promise of freeing up the roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and long-distance travelers. One of the significant benefits of flying cars is that they require minimal infrastructure and maintenance compared to ground vehicles, making them an attractive proposition.

On Friday, the idea of flying cars came one step closer to reality when a manned test flight was conducted in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan. Masc, a research group based in Okayama, carried out the trial using a two-seater flying car built in China based on drone technology. The vehicle flew a pre-programmed route without a pilot at the controls, rising vertically to a height of 30 meters and then circling over the sea at a speed of 36 kilometers per hour for about three and a half minutes. 

Masc’s chairman, Kirino Hiroshi, stated that they aim to turn flying cars into a commercial proposition, and the Transport Ministry noted that this was the first test flight of a manned flying car in an open space in Japan that it is aware of. The future of flying cars is indeed promising, and the successful test flight in Japan is a significant step towards realizing this futuristic vision.

Flying car companies require more time and expertise before they can mass-produce flying vehicles. Design and engineering challenges are not the only problems that the manufacturers of flying cars need to solve. Environmental, regulatory, and safety clearances are also essential factors that need to be taken into account. Issues such as noise pollution, take-off and landing infrastructure, limited carrying capacity, training for new pilots, and high costs present significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of flying cars.

Furthermore, as laws governing flying cars are still in their early stages, they must be developed to accommodate flying traffic. Regulators are currently working to develop laws related to autonomous flying cars and personal air vehicles, which would ensure their safety and regulate their use.

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Chinese Airspace will soon see low-altitude flying cars. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued a special flight permit for the XPeng X2 flying car. 

XPeng X2 manufactured by XPeng Aeroht is the first manned eVTOL (Electric Vertical take-off and landing) machine to acquire this license in China. Currently, the license allows the vehicle to carry out only manned driving tests to accumulate data and experience based on which the company will then mass produce the vehicle. 

The special permit does not allow passenger flights and can be used in specific areas only. 

XPeng X2 is the latest eVTOL in the Xpeng Flying Car series. The vehicle shares its DNA with the limited edition XPeng P7 Electric sedan and comes with an airframe made entirely of carbon fiber. The advanced droplet design of the vehicle helps in a better aerodynamic performance than its predecessors. The manned flying car comes with a fully enclosed two-seater cockpit and supports both manual and autopilot modes. 

Build for low-altitude urban commute, the flying car weighs 560kgs and can fly for up to 35 minutes non-stop. The vehicle has reported a maximum flight speed of 130 km/ hour. 

XPeng Aeroht has designed the vehicle for low-altitude city flights that can be used for sightseeing and medical emergencies. 

Debuted in July 2021, to date XPeng X2 has completed more than 3000 test flights including overseas flights in Dubai and UAE. 

The company is planning to soon launch the flying car as a premium product for VVIPs and tech moguls in China.

XPeng Aeroht is Asia’s largest manufacturer of flying cars. The company was selected in the 2021 Hurun Global Unicorn list and received an additional grant of RMB 6 billion in bank credit in 2022. 

XPeng has been deeply involved in the research and development of flying cars for many years and is right now working on the sixth-generation low-altitude mobility vehicle. The company plans to make a vehicle that can be used to drive on roads as well as fly in low-altitude urban airspace. 

Flying Cars – Future of Urban Transport

Flying cars are the future of urban transportation as they provide the solution to traffic, congestion, pollution, and other urban transportation issues. Flying cars can travel shorter distances in less time and will free up the roads for pedestrians, cyclists, and long-distance travelers. Another major advantage of choosing an eVTOL is that it needs minimum infrastructure and maintenance as compared to ground vehicles. 

However, companies involved in flying cars need more time and experience before they go into mass production. The manufacturers of flying cars not only have to deal with engineering and design issues but also work on environmental, regulatory, and safety clearances. Other major issues include noise pollution, take-off and landing infrastructure, limited carrying capacity, training for new pilots, and high costs.  

The laws relating to flying vehicles are in the nascent stage and need to be developed before widespread adoption. At present regulators are working on developing laws related to autonomous flying cars and personal air vehicles, which will be mandatory for eVTOLs like XPeng X2. 

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HT Aero has just raised more than 500 million US Dollars from outside investors. The company is backed by the Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng and is aiming on rolling out its flying vehicles in the year 2024.

The brand will be using the investment towards its research and development for the new model that will have the ability to operate both in the sky and on the ground. Zhao Deli, founder and president of HT Aero, stated that the brand’s next generation model will feature a “fully integrated flying vehicle and automobile, designed for both low altitude air travel and road driving.”

Zhao further added that HT Aero is planning for a launch of the new vehicles in 2024. Although, the senior official has yet to reveal any official date or timeline for this launch. For those unaware, the company is an affiliate brand of Xpeng, which is an electric vehicle based start up from China. Furthermore, Xpeng’s founded He Xiaopeng as well as the automobile company itself are also investors in HT Aero.

Flying cars, also known as electric vertical take off and landing vehicles (eVTOL), have recently garnering a lot of attention in the automobile industry. Other automotive brands like Hyundai, Lilium, and others are also working on developing their own flying passenger vehicles. Back in July, HT Aero launched the X2, which was its second flying car prototype that was capable of carrying passengers.

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Earlier this week, GM (General Motors) unveiled a new futuristic self driving car. This was a new Cadillac imagined by the automobile maker, which is even capable of flying and can carry a passenger through the skies.

According to a Reuters report, the new flying Cadillac is autonomous and can even land and take off vertically. As per a senior executive from the company, the new concept vehicle is a “reimagining the future of personal transportation.” The flying Cadillac from GM can only carry a single passenger and is technically more akin to a VTOL drone (Vertica Take off and Landing). It will be capable of flying from one urban rooftop to another and can reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour as well.

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The vehicle is fully autonomous and all electric and is powered by a 90KW motor. This battery is a GM Ultium battery back, which is housed in an ultra lightweight body with pairs of motors. The company unveiled the new concept car in a video as a part of its virtual keynote presentation, which had Chief Executive Mary Barra reveal the futuristic flying car along with a family friendly Cadillac electric shuttle.

Back in 2020, the senior executive had revealed that GM is exploring alternative methods of transportation, which included aerial taxis. GM design chief Mike Simcoe further added that “VTOL is key to GM’s vision for a multimodal future,” and he believes that the vehicle can be “the Cadillac of urban air mobility” as well. At the moment, no finer details regarding the vehicle are currently known, but the company did state that it is “arriving soon” with lounge like seating, biometric sensors, voice controls, and hand gesture support as well.

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At Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2018 in Las Vegas, Intel today showed off its prototype of Volocopter, which according to the company is “essentially a flying car”. However, it is basically a drone that is big enough to carry a passenger.

It is being showcased as an autonomous passenger taxi, which is powered by a battery and comes with 18-rotors. While showing off this device, Intel’s CEO Brian Krzanich said:

Imagine pulling out your phone, opening up a transportation app and summoning your own personalized ride by air taxi. That sci-fi vision of the future is actually much closer than you might think.

The Volocopter is originally a product of a Germany-based company that was founded in 2012. The company first demonstrated its passenger drone in 2013 in its home country. It was brought in front of the attendees at the Monte Carlo Hotel of Park Theatre by Intel as it has entered into a partnership with the German company.

While Brian Krzanich displayed this flying car at CES that runs on battery and is thusly emission-free, don’t expect to see this working in real world anytime soon. In the keynote stream, a disclaimer popped-up which noted that the Volocopter won’t be available until it receives authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Volocopter uses four inertial movement units (IMUs) that constantly measure and determine its attitude and positioning during flight. The battery system is split into nine discrete packs and each one is powering a pair of rotors ensuring that the vehicle keeps flying if one or two battery packs fail.

Then there are GPS and navigation systems which are dual-redundant. For the worst situation, there’s a ballistic parachute that will deploy and ensure that the air taxi returns to the ground with its passengers intact.

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The Volocopter VC200 was the first such device demonstrated by the Germany-based company. Later, the company followed that with the Volocopter 2X, which is a more polished version that’s supposed to be the company’s first true production vehicle. It features 30 minutes of flight time and a maximum range of 17 miles. Volocopter says the batteries can be quickly swapped to increase the flight time until the technology improves.

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