XPeng's eVTOL flying car X2 makes its first public flying in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 10, 2022. (Reuters)A Chinese firm tested out an electric flying taxi in Dubai on Monday, offering a glimpse of futuristic technology that could one day whisk people through cities high above any traffic.
The XPeng X2, developed by the Guangzhou-based XPeng Inc’s aviation affiliate, is one of the dozens of flying car projects around the world.
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
Only a handful have been successfully tested with passengers on board, and it will likely be many years before any are put into service.
Monday’s demonstration was held with an empty cockpit, but the company says it carried out a manned flight test in July 2021. The sleekly designed vehicle can carry two passengers and is powered by a set of eight propellers.
Guests and reporters check out the XPeng eVTOL flying car X2 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 10, 2022. (Reuters) 
A reporter sits inside an XPeng eVTOL flying car X2 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 10, 2022. (Reuters) 
Two XPeng eVTOL flying cars X2 sit on the ground in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 10, 2022. (Reuters) The company says it has a top speed of 130 km per hour. Unlike aeroplanes and helicopters, eVTOL, or “electric vertical takeoff and landing,” vehicles offer quick point-to-point personal travel, at least in principle.
The pilot-less vehicles could one day ferry passengers across town high above congested roadways. But the sector still faces major challenges, including battery life, air traffic control and safety, and infrastructure issues.