Beyond Expo 2025: Key facts on China's flying car players and their growth strategies

China leads in flying cars with Geely's Aerofugia, Xpeng, and AutoFlight advancing in eVTOL tech.

: Changan and FAW are advancing China's flying car industry with test flights by year's end, while Chery plans an eVTOL launch in October. GAC has gathered nearly 1,000 reservations for its flying cars scheduled for 2026 delivery, highlighting a strong market interest. Xpeng AeroHT and AutoFlight focus on pioneering air taxi solutions, aiming for commercial uses by 2026, with Aerofugia eyeing airworthiness certification soon. China's strategy includes the development of a low-altitude economy, potentially adding significant financial gains to the country's GDP, driven by companies like Shensi Lab and major automakers.

China's latest strides in flying car technology underscore its commitment to pioneering a competitive industry poised for significant economic impact. Major automobile manufacturers such as Chanan, FAW, Chery, and GAC have officially announced timelines and goals for their flying car projects. State-owned enterprises like Changan and FAW have promised to conclude their inaugural test flights by the end of the year, illustrating the rapid pace of advancement within the sector. Chery, recognized as China's largest car exporter, is set to launch its first electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) in October. Meanwhile, GAC has reported receiving about a thousand reservations for its flying cars, with deliveries projected for the latter part of 2026.

Xpeng AeroHT, backed by Xpeng Motors, emerges as Asia’s preeminent flying car startup, totaling 1,400 employees, and anticipates releasing its Land Aircraft Carrier in the second half of 2026. This ambitious project seeks to acquire an airworthiness 'type certificate' from Chinese authorities within the fourth quarter. Xpeng AeroHT's innovative approach involves a vehicle capable of separating flight and automobile components, targeting affluent customers interested in commuter solutions.

Flying Car

AutoFlight, located in Shanghai, is progressing with larger, business-oriented electric aircraft. Its Prosperity air taxi model, a five-seat vehicle capable of traveling up to 250 kilometers, is designed for fixed-route services such as sightseeing. After obtaining regulatory approval, it plans to evolve towards public transport offerings, supported by its proprietary technology for core components.

Chengdu-based Aerofugia, a division of Geely, has announced advancements in its AE200 eVTOL’s airworthiness verification process. This company also anticipates securing a certification to initiate commercial operations as early as next year. The AE200, characterized by a unique tilt-rotor design, supports five to six passengers while offering a maximum range of 200 kilometers. Aerofugia’s strategy includes commencing flying taxi services in Chengdu by 2026, establishing significant precedents for both technological advancement and business acumen.

China’s vision, as articulated by Yang Jun of Shensi Lab at the recent BEYOND Expo, is to develop the 'low-altitude economy.' This innovative economic model, dominated by the integration of eVTOL technology, might contribute upwards of one trillion yuan to the national GDP. Pilot passenger transport operations are projected to begin across several regions including Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao soon, thereby further solidifying China’s foray into transforming flying cars from a futuristic dream into commercial reality.

Overall, the fierce internal competition places China at the forefront of flying car development. As these companies transition from initial R&D phases to commercial production and operations, they embody both the innovative spirit and economic ambition being pursued nationally. The progress seen by these firms represents a larger narrative of China’s enthusiastic embrace of cutting-edge, sustainable transportation solutions where flying cars emerge as remarkable technological icons of the future.

Sources: TechNode, BEYOND Expo

sustainabilityElectric Vehiclesinnovation