Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Chinese firm tests electric flying taxi in Dubai

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 land traffic.

The XPeng X2, developed by the Guangzhou-based XPeng Inc’s aviation affiliate, is one of dozens of flying-car projects around the world. Only a handful have been successfully tested with passengers on board, and it will likely be many years before any are put into service, Tech Xplore reports.

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. The company says it has a top speed of 130 kilometres per hour.

Unlike airplanes and helicopters, eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicles offer quick point-to-point personal travel, at least in principle.

But the sector still faces major challenges, including battery life, air traffic control and safety, and infrastructure issues.

https://techxplore.com/news/2022-10-chinese-firm-electric-taxi-dubai.html

spot_img

BIG Wrap

At least 26 people killed in Sri Lanka prison clashes

(Al Jazeera Media Network) At least 26 people have been killed and more than 100 wounded during the worst prison riot in Sri Lanka...

Russia says Ukraine rejects local ceasefire in dispute over Kostiantynivka

(Al Jazeera Media Network) Russia’s Defence Ministry is accusing Ukraine of refusing to halt ⁠the shelling ⁠of the eastern city of Kostiantynivka to allow...