Flying Cars Take Flight in China's Cyberspace
Cissy, a Hong Kong-based journalist, recently attended the CES trade show in Las Vegas. There, she learned about Chinese EV maker Xpeng's ambitious plans to deliver a dual-mode electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, essentially a flying car. However, a contact from a rival company dismissed the idea as a "joke," citing the complex regulations involved in both land and air vehicles.
Despite this skepticism, flying cars are generating significant buzz in China's online space. Guangzhou-based autonomous aerial vehicle maker Ehang recently started selling its air taxi on Taobao for a hefty price tag of 2.39 million yuan (around $330,000). Influencer Luo Yonghao even sold one air taxi for 1.99 million yuan via livestream, demonstrating the power of live commerce in China.
China's Edge in the eVTOL Race
China's dominance in the global eVTOL market is undeniable, accounting for 50% of the world's total models. This lead can be attributed to China's advanced EV-related technologies, particularly in the field of high-energy-density batteries. Chinese battery manufacturers like CATL are developing battery solutions specifically for eVTOL vehicles, giving Chinese companies an edge in procurement.
Hurdles to Widespread Adoption
Despite government support and industry enthusiasm, several hurdles remain before flying cars become commonplace. The lack of takeoff and landing points and the absence of traffic rules for individual drivers are significant challenges.
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