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Chery will launch its first eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) flying car in October, becoming the latest player in the so-called low-altitude economy.
Wang Junjie, director of Chery’s flying car laboratory, revealed the plan at a forum held today in the southwestern city of Chongqing, saying that Chery will begin the certification process for the eVTOL at that time.
Chery’s goal is to drive the low-altitude economy from a laboratory concept into reality for households, he said.
Currently, a global flying car supply chain has begun to take shape, laying the foundation for mass production and commercial application, Wang noted.
According to Wang, 70-80 percent of the components in the eVTOL supply chain overlap with the new energy -vehicle (NEV) industry, particularly in areas such as motors, electric control systems, and battery systems.
In October 2024, Chery showcased a flying car during one of its technology events.
The flying car successfully completed a test flight covering about 80 kilometers, the automaker said at the time.
On February 20, Chery shared a video showing its flying car prototype.
Over the past few years, China has increased its support for the low-altitude economy, relaxing controls on low-altitude airspace, enabling the eVTOL industry to develop rapidly.
By 2030, China may have 100,000 eVTOLs in households or as air taxis, according to a report by the China Low Altitude Economic Alliance in November 2024.
Within the next two to three years, the aerial transportation networks and ground flight service facilities in China’s major cities will be largely completed, and eVTOLs would achieve large-scale commercialization, the report said.
Currently, the only listed Chinese company in this sector is Ehang, which has delivered hundreds of EH216-S eVTOLs.
Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV)’s flying car subsidiary, Xpeng Aeroht, has begun construction of its flying car manufacturing base, with the goal of achieving mass production and delivery by 2026.
In December 2024, GAC Group launched its new eVTOL brand, Govy, along with its first eVTOL product, the Govy Airjet.
Changan Automobile said in March that its flying car is expected to complete test flights by the end of this year.
