Xpeng AeroHT is set to unveil its Land Aircraft Carrier at CES 2025, promising a potentially groundbreaking concept: a six-wheeled electric minivan capable of launching its own drone. The modular vehicle, which blends electric and aerial transportation, represents Xpeng’s ambitious foray into the flying vehicle market.
This innovative system comprises two distinct parts: the ‘Mothership,’ a six-wheeled extended-range electric minivan, and a separate, foldable electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drone designed to carry passengers. The Mothership uses a combustion engine to power its battery and electric motors, and it can recharge the drone’s battery.
The eVTOL aircraft seats two and can be deployed with the touch of a button. After the drone is removed from the van, the rotor arms extend, and the pilot can control the aircraft either from inside or with a remote control.
Xpeng AeroHT claims the six-rotor eVTOL can be flown with a single hand thanks to an innovative single-lever control system, with a claimed learning curve of just five minutes to fly and three hours to master. Furthermore, the aircraft’s battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in a mere 18 minutes, supporting several short flights per charge.
The first unmanned public flight of the eVTOL took place in China recently. Xpeng AeroHT expects to begin production and deliveries in 2026, with an anticipated output of 10,000 units annually. The Land Aircraft Carrier will carry a price tag of up to $280,000 (2 million yuan) in China. The company has already received over 2,000 pre-orders.
This concept signals Xpeng AeroHT’s commitment to the flying vehicle market, and although the possibility of U.S. sales remains unconfirmed, the Land Aircraft Carrier’s appearance at CES 2025 highlights the company’s global ambitions.
