CES 2025: We went inside the Xpeng Aero HT ‘flying car’

CES loves a flying car, right?

At this year’s Consumer Technology Show, we took a look at Xpeng Aero HT’s Land Aircraft Carrier, and stepped inside the cockpit of the company’s modular eVTOL (that’s electric Vertical Take-off and Landing for the uninitiated). An equally domestic electric car driving down the highway or flying in the sky? Groundbreaking, for sure – but also the ultimate CES.

Let’s be clear about one thing: a large, six-wheeled EV is technically not a flying car. The Xpeng dubbed “Mother” – a minivan-like vehicle that gives off strong Cybertruck vibes – doesn’t let it down. What it does It does, however, carry a two-seater eVTOL aircraft that takes to the skies. Still, it’s undeniably cool. After speaking with founder and CEO Wang Tan, it’s clear that Xpeng is committed to its mission of giving drivers the “freedom to fly.”

And it’s open!
Credit: Emmett Smith / Mashable

Because Motherhood is a seminal model, we didn’t get a good look inside. But we he did get to sit on a two-seater plane first-hand, where Tan walks us through the basics. Xpeng’s goal is to make flying as easy as possible. Controls are minimal – a one-handed joystick for steering, automatic flight systems for short, self-guided flights, and backup button controls conveniently located on the center console.

The Xpeng Aero HT modular eVTOL was spotted at CES.
Credit: Emmett Smith / Mashable

But before you start dreaming of stripping yourself of the city’s icons, pump the brakes. Xpeng envisions the eVTOL as a recreational getaway, away from crowded urban areas. And let’s be real—most drivers can’t handle two measurements, let alone three. Oh, and you’ll need a Light Sport Aircraft license too.

The Mothership and eVTOL combination boast a combined range of 1,000 kilometers – just over 620 miles. But here’s the kicker: an EV isn’t just a ride; is a mobile eVTOL charging station. Together, they form Xpeng’s ambitious “phase 1” in the quest to make human flight a reality. Section 2? It really is a flying car.

So far, Xpeng is seeking more than 3,000 target orders and plans to start shipping to China in 2026. As for the price tag? Brace yourself – The World Aircraft Carrier is expected to land somewhere around $300,000.

Well, no one ever said the future was cheap.

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