Over the weekend, an AI-generated video surfaced online suggesting BYD’s ultra-luxury sub-brand Yangwang would launch a flying car called Ufly. The company quickly clarified that these reports are false and reiterated their commitment to focusing on electric vehicles for now.

Xpeng’s Aridge subsidiary is taking a different approach by establishing a factory in Guangzhou aimed at mass-producing its modular flying car, the A868. This vehicle can carry six passengers and boasts an impressive range of over 500 kilometers when fully charged. Xpeng plans to start delivering these vehicles as early as 2026.

Other Chinese automakers like Chery, GAC Group, Chang’an Automobile, FAW Group are also developing their own flying car products in response to the growing demand for eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles). The China Low Altitude Economic Alliance predicts that by 2030, there could be over 100,000 such aircraft operating as air taxis or owned privately.

Despite BYD’s denial of flying car plans, the trend towards eVTOLs is clear. With multiple manufacturers entering this space and a growing market demand, it seems that while BYD isn’t jumping on board just yet, others are betting big on the future of aerial transportation.

The buzz around eVTOLs shows no signs of slowing down. While BYD isn’t joining in on this particular trend just yet, other major players like Xpeng are preparing for a future where air taxis and personal aerial vehicles might become commonplace.

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With low-altitude economy becoming a national-level emerging industry in China, flying cars are entering what JAC calls ‘a golden period’ of development. The company sees potential for these vehicles to be used in emergency rescue and urban commuting scenarios.

The joint laboratory will focus on engineering challenges like power distribution, structural design, and electronic/electrical architecture necessary for integrating automotive and aerospace technology into flying cars. This collaboration aims to overcome the technical hurdles that currently limit widespread adoption of such innovative transportation solutions.

Beijing Institute of Technology has already developed a modular flying car prototype called UAM650 in 2022, showcasing its capabilities in unmanned intelligent systems and aerospace engineering. IAT’s expertise lies in vehicle platform development and core component R&D, which will be crucial for addressing complex integration issues.

Despite the promising prospects of flying cars, there are still significant technological barriers to overcome before they become a regular part of our daily lives. JAC emphasizes that coordinated solutions across the supply chain are essential to address these challenges effectively.

Flying cars may seem like something out of a sci-fi movie today but as JAC’s new lab shows, they’re moving closer to reality every day in China. With more companies jumping on board and government support for this emerging industry, we might see these vehicles take flight sooner than expected.

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