Xiaopeng Aero HT, Showcasing Chinese Technological Prowess
On the 5th (local time), as soon as I entered the North Hall entrance of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), where preparations for CES 2025, the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, were in full swing, I noticed a flying vehicle resembling a mix between a helicopter and a drone, still partially wrapped, along with a minivan equipped with six wheels. On the screen, footage showed the flying vehicle detaching from the minivan and soaring into the sky.
The LAC (The Land Aircraft Carrier), a flying car, produced by Xiaopeng AeroHT, a subsidiary of Xpeng, is being installed at the CES 2025 exhibition hall. Photo by Baek Jongmin.
This exhibit is the LAC (The Land Aircraft Carrier) presented by Xiaopeng AeroHT, a subsidiary of the Chinese electric vehicle company Xpeng. The LAC consists of a minivan and a two-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) drone. It embodies a form similar to an aircraft carrier that carries aircraft and moves on the sea, but implemented on land.
The drone is mounted in the rear cargo area of the six-wheel-drive minivan. When the vehicle's engine charges the drone, the drone can detach from the vehicle and fly into the sky whenever needed. The drone can also carry two people who can directly control it.
A minivan included in the LAC (The Land Aircraft Carrier) exhibited by Xiaopeng Aero HT, a subsidiary of Xiaopeng (Xpeng). Photo by Baek Jongmin
The minivan, which serves as the ground module of the LAC, adopts an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) system and is said to be capable of traveling 1,000 km. It can accommodate up to five passengers. The company explains that the drone detaches from the minivan with a simple button operation and that basic controls can be learned within five minutes. When fully charged, it can fly 5 to 6 times, and the 800V high-voltage charging system can charge the battery from 30% to 80% in 18 minutes.
The company unveiled the LAC at the Zhuhai Airshow last November, showcasing the flight of the two-seater drone. Xiaopeng AeroHT also held a demonstration event for the LAC and drone in Shanghai last month.
A two-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) drone included in the LAC (The Land Aircraft Carrier) exhibited by Xiaopeng AeroHT, a subsidiary of Xiaopeng (Xpeng). Photo by Baek Jongmin
Xiaopeng AeroHT also showcased a flying car model combining an electric vehicle and a drone at last year’s CES, but this year they returned with a product that successfully demonstrated flight within a year. CES 2025 marks the first time the LAC has been unveiled outside China, indicating rapid technological advancement. While it is not the flying car humanity has imagined, it is understood as a preliminary step toward a fully functional flying car.
Chinese companies are also standing out at this CES. Although the number of participating companies is smaller than before the COVID-19 pandemic, Xiaopeng AeroHT seemed well-positioned to showcase its technological prowess in the United States. Local media identified Xiaopeng AeroHT as the most noteworthy exhibitor among mobility-related products at this year’s CES.
Deployment diagram of LAC (The Land Aircraft Carrier) exhibited by Xiaopeng AeroHT, a subsidiary of Xiaopeng (Xpeng). Drones are deployed from the minivan's cargo area.
After its unveiling in China, the LAC recorded over 2,000 pre-orders. The company aims to mass-produce 10,000 units annually starting in 2026, with an expected price of around 2 million yuan (approximately 280 million KRW). However, it remains uncertain whether sales will be possible in the United States due to regulatory issues.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
