Dubai hosted testing of the flying taxi prototype created by the Chinese electric vehicle and technology company Xpeng. The company completed the first successful flight of its X2 flying car, which may have marked a significant turning point in the history of travel and mass transit.
The VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) two-seater vehicle has a top speed of 130 kmph. The X2 is equipped with cutting-edge flight control technology and can fly by itself. The automobile is electric and produces no carbon dioxide. It can lift up to 500 kg upon taking off thanks to its eight propellers.
Even though just a small number of these flying taxis have been tested with passengers on board, it will be some time before they are placed into any kind of service. Xpeng’s test on Monday was an unmanned flight, despite the company’s claims that it has previously conducted manned flights.
Safety risks still exist with these cars. Several issues must be resolved before bigger fleets of these vehicles can be deployed, including issues with battery safety, air traffic, infrastructure, and cost. Despite this, Dubai intends to introduce a fleet of these vehicles over the following few years.
To promote the emirate’s innovation agenda, Dubai has emerged as a magnet and testing ground for international firms that launch cutting-edge products onto the market.
The decision to debut the X2 flying car in Dubai, in the opinion of Hassan Al Hashemi, Acting President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, demonstrates the city’s position as a global innovator and a hub for cutting-edge technology.
FLYING CAR LIFTS OFF IN DUBAI!
Unveiled at GITEX GLOBAL, the XPENG AEROHT is the largest flying car company in Asia. Not available for sale just yet, their vehicle is reportedly up and running for test flights. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/nhMgLvOYQz— Lovin Dubai | لوڤن دبي (@lovindubai) October 11, 2022
