Two flying cars crashed into each other during a rehearsal for the Changchun Air Show in Jilin Province, China, on Tuesday, leaving one person injured. The incident involved Xpeng Aeroht's electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, which collided due to insufficient spacing, according to a company statement.
One of the vehicles caught fire upon hitting the ground, as shown in social media videos. The company confirmed that all personnel at the scene were safe and that local authorities had completed emergency measures. However, an unnamed company employee revealed to CNN that one pilot sustained minor injuries.
Xpeng Aeroht, a subsidiary of Chinese automaker Xpeng, said an investigation is underway. The company announced in January plans to produce 10,000 flying cars annually from 2026, having already received 3,000 pre-orders. The vehicle measures 5.5 metres by 2 metres and can fit in a standard parking space, folding up to fit in the boot of a specially designed car called the 'Land Aircraft Carrier'.
China's eVTOL industry has grown rapidly with government backing, and the country's 'low-altitude economy' is forecast to reach $206 billion this year. Meanwhile, other countries are also advancing eVTOL services, with US-based Archer Aviation conducting test flights in Abu Dhabi, and the UK government announcing £20 million in funding to support flying taxi services by 2028.
