Articles tagged with "flying-cars"
'World's first': Alef begins production of American-made flying cars
Alef Aeronautics, a US startup based in San Mateo, California, has begun production of the world’s first American-made electric flying car, the Alef Model A Ultralight. After over a decade of development, including FAA airworthiness certification in 2023, Alef is now manufacturing these road-legal vehicles capable of vertical takeoff and flight. The Model A offers a driving range of 220 miles (354 km) and a flight range of 110 miles (177 km), combining features of both cars and eVTOL aircraft. Each unit is hand-assembled in Silicon Valley, with production blending robotic and handcrafted processes to ensure quality and safety. Early production units will be delivered to select customers for controlled real-world testing, with training and maintenance support provided. Alef’s flying car distinguishes itself by being fully electric, requiring no runway for takeoff, and fitting within existing urban infrastructure for parking and road use. It incorporates advanced safety features such as Distributed Electric Propulsion,
robotelectric-vehiclesflying-carspersonal-air-mobilityenergymanufacturingtransportation-technologyHow an Assembler In Guangzhou - Not A Gigafactory - Won The Flying Car Race - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights how a Guangzhou-based company, originally known as Xpeng Aeroht and now rebranded as Aridge, has quietly taken the lead in the flying car race by establishing the world’s first mass-production line for flying cars. Unlike the Western narrative focused on visionary billionaires and speculative prototypes, Aridge has moved beyond promises to actual production, operating a 120,000 square meter factory with integrated workshops for composites, propulsion, assembly, painting, and final integration. This marks a significant milestone, as the company transitions from concept to commercial contracts with delivery dates, signaling maturity and readiness to scale. In contrast to Tesla’s reliance on tax credits and regulatory incentives to drive sales, Aridge’s approach is grounded in tangible manufacturing and market engagement. While Western media and industry watchers have been captivated by futuristic promises and charismatic figures like Elon Musk, Aridge’s success is rooted in industrial efficiency and execution. The article underscores a shift in the flying car industry narrative, emphasizing that
energyflying-carselectric-vehiclesGuangzhou-technologyXpengVTOLpersonal-transportTesla & Xpeng Tout Flying Cars - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the emerging development of flying cars as a potential solution to urban traffic congestion, highlighting efforts by Tesla and Chinese automaker Xpeng. Elon Musk teased Tesla’s future unveiling of a flying car during a Joe Rogan podcast, suggesting it could be a highly memorable product reveal, though details remain sparse. Tesla’s announcement sparked investor enthusiasm, reflecting high expectations for the impact of flying cars on the company’s prospects. Meanwhile, Xpeng has made more concrete progress through its subsidiary Aridge, which recently completed a large-scale factory in Guangzhou capable of producing up to 10,000 flying cars annually. This facility integrates automotive and aviation manufacturing processes and employs automated production lines to meet both automotive and airworthiness standards. Aridge’s first flying car, dubbed the “Land Aircraft Carrier,” features a two-module design with a Cybertruck-like ground vehicle that transports and recharges a detachable, all-electric six-rotor aerial unit. The aircraft supports manual and autonomous flight modes, with test flights underway and
robotflying-carsTeslaXpengintelligent-manufacturingautomated-productionaviation-technologyThese Personal Flying Machines Are Coming
The article highlights the emerging reality of personal flying machines, such as jetpacks, flying cars, and electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs), marking a new era of individual air travel. It emphasizes that while some of these futuristic devices are already available for purchase and legal use, their operation is subject to stringent laws, safety regulations, and certification requirements. The piece underscores the technological advancements behind these machines and their potential to transform daily commutes. Additionally, the article points out that despite the excitement around owning personal flying devices like Jet Suits or hoverboards, users must navigate complex legal and safety frameworks before taking to the skies. It also mentions ongoing developments and market-ready next-generation aircraft, suggesting that widespread personal aerial commuting could become feasible in the near future. Overall, the content conveys optimism about the accessibility of personal flight while acknowledging the regulatory and safety challenges that remain.
robotpersonal-flying-machineseVTOLjetpacksflying-carsindividual-air-travelnext-generation-aircraft7 most remarkable flying cars turning science fiction into reality
The article highlights seven cutting-edge flying cars that are transforming the long-held dream of flying vehicles into tangible reality as of 2025. These vehicles combine automotive and aviation technologies, allowing them to operate both on roads and in the air with varying degrees of speed, range, and functionality. Notably, the Alef Model A is the first flying car to receive an FAA special airworthiness certificate, featuring electric VTOL capabilities, a 200-mile driving range, and the ability to park in standard spots. Other standout models include the PAL-V Liberty, a gyroplane-based flying car with a 1,300 km driving range and 500 km flying range, and the Klein Vision AirCar, which transforms from car to airplane in under two minutes and boasts over 170 flight hours of testing. Additional vehicles such as the Samson Sky Switchblade offer a more accessible price point around $170,000, featuring hybrid propulsion and speeds up to 305 km/hr in flight. The AeroMobil 5.
robotflying-carselectric-VTOLhybrid-propulsionaviation-technologyautonomous-vehiclesaerospace-engineeringTwo flying cars crash into each other in China rehearsal flight
During a rehearsal flight for the Changchun Air Show in northeastern China, two electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) developed by Xpeng Aeroht collided mid-air due to "insufficient flight distance," resulting in one vehicle catching fire upon landing and one pilot sustaining minor injuries. Emergency responders quickly secured the scene, and the injured passenger was hospitalized but reported to be stable. Xpeng Aeroht, Asia’s largest flying car company, confirmed the incident is under investigation and emphasized that all other personnel were safe. Xpeng Aeroht’s flying cars, priced around USD 281,000 each, are designed to operate at altitudes between 300 and 500 meters with features such as a panoramic cabin and single-lever controls. The company has garnered significant attention with its modular flying car technology, including a road vehicle that carries a detachable two-person eVTOL. With over 4,000 orders and ongoing development—including a new factory in Guangzhou aiming for mass production by
roboteVTOLflying-carselectric-vehiclesurban-air-mobilityaerospace-technologyXpeng-AerohtXpeng Preps for Profitability & New Models, and Raises Hiring Target from 6,000 to 8,000 - CleanTechnica
Xpeng is positioning itself for significant growth and profitability in the near future. The company aims to achieve profitability by the end of 2025, having already reached positive cash flow, which marks a critical milestone for a young automaker. Despite the focus on profitability, Xpeng plans to expand its workforce substantially, increasing its hiring target for 2025 from 6,000 to 8,000 new employees, bringing the total headcount close to 30,000. This expansion signals confidence in sustained growth and operational scaling. In addition to workforce growth, Xpeng is advancing its product lineup with new models, including sequels to the popular Mona M03, codenamed D02 and D03, expected to be high-volume vehicles that will further boost sales and revenue. The company is also preparing for mass production of innovative technologies such as humanoid robots and flying cars by 2026, indicating a broader ambition beyond traditional electric vehicles. Overall, Xpeng’s strategic moves suggest a robust trajectory
robotelectric-vehiclesautomotive-technologyhumanoid-robotsflying-carsmanufacturingworkforce-expansionTrump signs orders to encourage flying cars, counter drone threats
President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of advanced aviation technologies, including drones, flying taxis (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles or eVTOLs), and supersonic commercial jets. The orders direct the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to enable routine beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations, deploy AI tools to expedite waiver reviews, and update integration roadmaps for drones in national airspace. Additionally, the FAA is tasked with lifting the longstanding ban on supersonic flights over U.S. land, citing advancements in noise reduction and aerospace engineering that make such travel safe and commercially viable. Trump also initiated a pilot program for eVTOL projects focusing on medical response, cargo transport, and urban air mobility. To address national security concerns, the administration established a federal task force to monitor drone activity near sensitive locations like airports and large public events, aiming to enforce laws against misuse and mitigate risks posed by disruptive drone technology. The orders emphasize reducing reliance on foreign-made drones, particularly from China, by prioritizing U.S.-manufactured drones and promoting exports to allied countries. These initiatives build on prior efforts to integrate commercial drones and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into various sectors, with the broader goal of fostering high-skilled job growth, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and maintaining American leadership in global aviation.
dronesflying-carseVTOLsupersonic-jetsaerospace-engineeringartificial-intelligenceurban-air-mobility