XPeng, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is set to revolutionize transportation and robotics by announcing its plans to mass-produce both flying cars and humanoid robots as early as next year. If all goes according to plan, XPeng could become the first company to globally mass-produce flying cars.
XPeng made a strong entrance into robotics with the unveiling of its first humanoid robot, Iron, at its 2024 AI Day event in November. Designed to assist in production and beyond, Iron stands 5’8” tall and weighs 154 pounds (70 kg). It boasts an impressive 60 joints and 200 degrees of flexibility, allowing it to perform intricate tasks such as assembling EV components and navigating factory floors.
At the heart of Iron’s capabilities is XPeng’s proprietary Turing AI chip, a powerful 40-core processor designed for high-intensity applications. This chip can handle AI models with up to 30 billion parameters and has been rigorously tested with over 2,700 functional verifications in just 40 days—three times faster than the industry standard. Such advanced AI processing allows Iron to think, adapt, and execute commands with near-human precision.
Beyond manufacturing, XPeng envisions Iron playing a broader role in society, acting as a personal assistant in offices, retail stores, and homes. As China’s humanoid robotics industry advances towards Level 3 autonomy—where robots can function independently in most scenarios but still require human oversight—XPeng aims to commercialize these robots on a moderate scale by 2026.
XPeng has also taken a bold leap into the world of flying cars with the introduction of AEROHT, a vehicle that seamlessly transitions between ground and air travel. Showcased at CES 2025, this flying car, also referred to as the “Land Aircraft Carrier,” features a unique modular design. The ground vehicle acts as a mothership, transporting the detachable air module to a launch site. With a single command, the air module takes off vertically, and after landing, it seamlessly reconnects to the ground vehicle for continued road travel.
The AEROHT air module is an advanced electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. It incorporates multiple safety redundancies, including backup power and propulsion systems, ensuring a stable flight experience. Its dual-duct six-rotor design, supported by a lightweight carbon fiber frame, enhances efficiency and safety. Inside the cockpit, pilots benefit from a 270° panoramic view, cognitive assistance for automated route planning, real-time airspace monitoring, and precise landing capabilities—all controlled via a single-stick interface.
Meanwhile, the ground module, a six-wheel electric vehicle, is equally impressive. Built on an 800-volt silicon carbide platform, it boasts an extended driving range of over 1,000 kilometers. This futuristic vehicle also functions as a mobile charging station, capable of supporting up to six flights per full charge. Featuring a spacious four-seat cabin, electronic dual-swing doors, and a design inspired by lunar rovers, the ground module is designed to fit seamlessly into regular parking spaces.
XPeng’s ambitions extend beyond just humanoid robots and flying cars. The company is also advancing its autonomous driving technology, aiming to surpass global competitors. This year, XPeng plans to introduce Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities in its EVs, enabling more advanced driver assistance systems.
By 2026, the firm aims to roll out Level 4 autonomous features, including fully driverless parking, setting a new benchmark in smart mobility.
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