Regarding progress on "Flying Cars" (Flying Car or eVTOL) in Thailand, there is a likelihood of seeing actual use in the near future. It is predicted that flying cars or passenger transport drones will begin real operations in Thailand by 2026 (B.E. 2569). Currently, prototype models have started to be imported for display and testing.
XPENG AeroHT has created a new phenomenon in the automotive industry by launching the "Land Aircraft Carrier," a modular flying car that can truly "separate" into parts. It has received overwhelming pre-orders and is entering commercial production. This project is noteworthy because XPENG, a major Chinese automaker, plans to deliver modular flying cars by 2026, attracting interest in the Thai market. For rescue and transport drones, there is a target to use large eVTOL drones priced around 12 million baht for rescue missions or transport in hard-to-reach areas by 2026.
Preparation: Currently, relevant agencies in Thailand, such as the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), are studying regulations and aviation laws to support this technology. This is a key factor determining when Thailand will officially have flying cars "in the sky."
XPENG AeroHT has unveiled its latest flying car model named "Land Aircraft Carrier," an innovative modular design consisting of a "mothership" (a 6-wheeled vehicle) and a "flying drone" (air module) that can separate, with the following technical details.
Propulsion system and engine.
The mothership (Ground Module) uses an EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) system, an extended-range electric car with an internal combustion engine acting as a generator to charge the battery.
The electrical system employs an 800V Silicon Carbide platform for both the mothership and flying drone, enabling rapid charging and efficient energy use.
The flying drone (Air Module) is powered 100% electrically (eVTOL) using Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) rotors for safety; if any motor fails, the aircraft can still land safely.
Flight control system.
Flight modes support both Manual (pilot-controlled) and Autonomous (automatic flight).
Control: XPENG developed a Single-lever control system operable with one hand, stating that even those without flight experience can learn basic flying within 5 minutes and master it in 3 hours. The cockpit has two seats with a 270-degree panoramic view.
To make flying easy for everyone, XPENG AeroHT simplified the complex controls that once required advanced pilot skills into a system understandable within minutes.
1. Single-stick control.
2. Autonomous flight mode.
XPENG integrated smart car technology fully into the flight module:
Automatic folding and separation.
Flight range and distance.
Total ground range: The mothership can travel over 1,000 kilometers when combined with the generator system.
Flight range: The ground module or mothership uses Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) propulsion similar to Nissan e-Power, with an internal combustion engine acting as a generator charging the battery, enabling over 1,000 kilometers total driving range (CLTC standard).
The flight module (eVTOL) can fly continuously for about 30 minutes per full charge, with an effective range of roughly 20-30 kilometers, reaching speeds up to about 60 km/h. The drone can take off approximately 5-6 times per full charge or fuel fill of the mothership. Some sources mention flight distances per trip of about 20-35 kilometers or durations around 35 minutes.
Charging from the mothership: The mothership is designed as a "mobile charging station" specifically for the flight module.Fast charging technology: Both the vehicle and aircraft use an 800V Silicon Carbide high-voltage platform, allowing very rapid charging.Charging speed: The mothership can charge the flight module from 30% to 80% in just 18 minutes. When the mothership's fuel and battery are full, it can support up to 6 flight takeoffs, landings, and charges without external refueling. This model is sized to fit standard parking spots and underground garages, making carrying a "giant drone" more convenient than expected.
Details and highlights of the Land Aircraft Carrier.
Design concept (Modular Design): The vehicle is divided into two main parts:
Ground module: A 6-wheeled (6x6) electric SUV with a futuristic design similar to the Tesla Cybertruck, seating 4-5 passengers, serving as the "mothership" for carrying and charging the drone.
Flight module: A 2-seat eVTOL aircraft capable of folding and separating from the rear of the vehicle to take off vertically automatically.
Production progress.World's first factory: XPENG opened a flying car production plant in Guangzhou, with a maximum capacity of 10,000 units per year.Current status: On 5 March 2026, the company completed batch production, with the first 5 cars off the line and successfully tested flying simultaneously.
XPENG AeroHT designed the Land Aircraft Carrier's backup safety systems with high safety standards per civil aviation norms, focusing on preventing single-point failures.
Flight control and power backup (Full Redundancy).
Backup of all critical systems: Key systems such as Propulsion, Flight Control, Electrical, and Communications all have redundant parallel systems.
Motor failure management: The drone uses six rotors; if up to two motors or rotors fail simultaneously, the control system adjusts algorithms in milliseconds to maintain stability and continue safe flight.
Emergency parachute system (Multi-Parachute System): A ballistic parachute deploys automatically in case of total propulsion failure, operating at low altitudes. It is the world's first parachute system that functions at 50 meters altitude (normally requiring at least 200 meters), enabling emergency landings at a gentle speed of 5.2 m/s.
Situation awareness system (Intelligent Awareness).
Obstacle avoidance: Equipped with 270-degree situational awareness, collision warning, and automatic landing assistance.
Weather assessment: An intelligent system evaluates weather readiness before flight to minimize risks from the start.
Price and delivery.
Estimated price: Around 2 million yuan, or less than 10 million Thai baht.
Delivery schedule: Planned to start deliveries to customers in 2026, with over 7,000 pre-orders.
For usage, XPENG AeroHT's Land Aircraft Carrier has separate licensing and regulations for the two components as follows.
1. Driving license: For road use, the ground module (6-wheeled SUV) drivers can use a normal personal vehicle driving license (Class C) to drive on public roads as usual.
Flight control.Initially (recreational use): For leisure use or in specific areas, passengers do not need a special pilot license, as the machine has automatic flight systems to assist control.
Urban use: To fly into urban or community centers in the future, a special license is required, with more complex application procedures.
2. Flying regulations and certification.
Certification: Currently certified by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) with a Type Certificate (TC) confirming design safety, and is undergoing Production Certificate (PC) approval.
Altitude limits: The vehicle is designed for low-altitude mobility, typically flying below 1,000 meters.
Flight modes: Supports both Manual and Autonomous flight, with automation reducing pilot workload and enhancing safety for general users.
International acceptance: XPENG has obtained a special flight permit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for testing in tourism, rescue, and government transport sectors.
Regarding plans to test and introduce the XPENG AeroHT Land Aircraft Carrier in Thailand, the main importer partner is.
Possibility of flight tests in Thailand.
Although no official test flight date has been confirmed in Thailand, positive factors are accelerating its likelihood.
Projected timeline.
Follow progress on the Land Aircraft Carrier in Thailand by contacting official XPENG Thailand dealers for updates on future import plans.