Latest Advancements in Car Technology Showcased at CES 2025
At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2023, XPENG AEROHT made a significant splash by announcing the first mass-produced modular flying car, the Land Aircraft Carrier. The Asian flying car pioneer is now on track to start delivering this innovative vehicle in 2026.
XPENG AEROHT's Land Aircraft Carrier is a 6-rotor aircraft that deploys automatically and tucks into a 6-wheeled "mothership" for ground transportation. The company has made significant strides in the development of this flying car, with regulatory approvals, a purpose-built manufacturing facility, extensive flight testing, and strong financial backing.
The dedicated manufacturing facility for the Land Aircraft Carrier has topped out and is now in the equipment installation and commissioning phase, with completion scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025. This large-scale plant is designed to produce up to 10,000 flying vehicles annually and includes specialized workshops for composites, joint assembly, painting, and final assembly.
XPENG AEROHT recently raised $250 million in Series B financing, which will fund further research and development as well as help accelerate mass production and commercialization efforts. The company has launched large-scale flight testing with a dedicated pilot team, aiming to validate safety features such as its distributed power system and one-stick control with automated return-to-home backup.
Looking ahead, XPENG AEROHT plans a three-phase strategy for deployment: starting with off-road flying scenarios, moving to inter-city air mobility with models like the X5 expected within five years, and ultimately pursuing the vision of "free flying for all." Early uses include restricted flying experiences and public service applications like emergency medical rescues and highway accident responses.
Meanwhile, another major player in the automotive industry, Honda, is developing the 0 Series, a wild-looking car with plans to deliver something truly different in 2026. The details of the 0 Series are still under wraps, but it is expected to introduce a novel concept in handling and an in-car assistant aimed at being a trusted friend.
Not all automakers were present at CES 2023, as a disappointing market for tech-forward products and a potentially worsening political climate led some companies to skip the show. However, the presence of Chinese automaker Zeekr at the event suggests a readiness to expand to the U.S. market. Zeekr showcased the Zeekr Mix, a small minivan with a reconfigurable passenger compartment and advanced battery and charging technology.
Royal Enfield, the old British brand known for affordable, retro-themed gasoline-powered bikes, also made an appearance at CES 2023. The company unveiled the Flying Flea S6 electric motorcycle, named after a World War II airdropped motorcycle. The Flying Flea S6 is intended to provide easy, versatile electric transportation to city-dwellers.
In addition, Suzuki presented the Suzuki Micro E-Mobility Platform Concept at CES 2023, a modular, configurable electric vehicle. The company had a version of the Micro E-Mobility Platform Concept fitted with a little plow, demonstrating its potential use for clearing snow from small parking lots.
Scout, another automaker, showcased the Terra truck and Traveller SUV at CES 2023, with a more robust design compared to comparable Rivian offerings. Scout plans to introduce a gasoline fueled range extender for its vehicles, allowing them to travel further than pure electric off-roaders.
In conclusion, while some major automakers chose to skip CES 2023, XPENG AEROHT's flying car continues to make steady progress towards mass production and commercialization. The Land Aircraft Carrier is set to begin deliveries in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the development of urban air mobility.
- XPENG AEROHT's Land Aircraft Carrier, the first mass-produced modular flying car, is anticipated to deliver this innovation in 2026, following its significant strides in development and securing financial backing.
- The dedicated manufacturing facility for the Land Aircraft Carrier is currently undergoing equipment installation and commissioning, with a completion deadline set for the fourth quarter of 2025.
- Honda is developing the 0 Series, a unique car expected to debut in 2026, introducing a novel concept in handling and an in-car assistant designed to be a trusted companion.
- Zeekr, a Chinese automaker, revealed the Zeekr Mix, a reconfigurable-passenger-compartment minivan with advanced battery and charging technology, indicating a readiness to expand to the U.S. market.
- Royal Enfield unveiled the Flying Flea S6 electric motorcycle at CES 2023, aiming to offer easy, versatile electric transportation for city-dwellers, mirroring the World War II airdropped motorcycle of the same name.
- Scout presented the Terra truck and Traveller SUV at CES 2023, with plans to introduce a gasoline fueled range extender, extending the travel range of these electric off-roaders compared to pure electric competitors.
