Xpeng launched its flying car in Germany, receiving 7,000 orders and operating a factory capable of producing 10,000 units annually.

      TL;DR: Xpeng launched the Land Aircraft Carrier in Munich, featuring a six-wheeled electric vehicle with a detachable flying module, securing 7,000 orders and a factory capable of producing 10,000 units annually.

      Xpeng introduced the Land Aircraft Carrier at an event in Munich on Wednesday, marking the first time the Chinese automaker showcased its modular flying car outside of Asia. The vehicle, known as the Mothership, is a six-wheeled ground unit that includes a detachable two-seat eVTOL flight module that can be stored in the back. This flying module, equipped with six rotors and constructed from carbon fiber to minimize weight, is able to transport two passengers in the air once it is deployed and launched from the ground vehicle.

      The company reported that it has received over 7,000 orders, making it the leading flying car manufacturer in terms of global pre-orders. Xpeng has built a dedicated factory with an intended annual output of 10,000 units. Mass production is expected to commence this year, with initial deliveries focusing on the Chinese market. There is currently no certified production model available for European roads and airspace. Additionally, Xpeng unveiled the L03 in Munich, its most economical EV, which can charge to 80% in just 20 minutes and is the first Chinese vehicle to come equipped with proprietary AI driving chips.

      The Munich launch aligns the Land Aircraft Carrier with Xpeng’s broader strategy in Europe, although obtaining regulatory approval for flying operations in Germany may take several years. Chinese automakers are diversifying their entry into Western markets with a variety of products, ranging from budget EVs to robotaxis, and now flying vehicles. The significance of the Land Aircraft Carrier lies less in its viability as a product and more in the message it conveys: Chinese manufacturers are expanding their competition beyond price to encompass ambition.