Watch: Chinese eVTOL 'flying car' makes first public flight in Dubai

This is the glimpse of a technology that could one day carry people from one part of a city to another, high above potholed roads and traffic jams.

Chinese electronic vehicle maker Xpeng Inc has carried out the first public flight of its "flying car" in Dubai, reports said

The XPeng X2, meant as an electric flying taxi, is a two-seater vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft built on futuristic technology.


X2 is fitted with eight propellers - two at each of the four corners of the vehicle - and can reach a top speed of 130 km per hour, according to the Guangzhou-based company.

Videos on social media showed the sleek-looking flying car making an unmanned, 90-minute test flight.

Electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, eVTOL, is still a relatively new technology. The sector still faces major challenges, AP reports, including battery life, air traffic control and safety, and infrastructure issues.

Xpeng Inc is working towards launching the electric aircraft on international markets. It sees Dubai as an important base for the next generation of flying cars.

"First we selected Dubai city because Dubai is the most innovative city in the world," general manager of Xpeng Aeroht was quoted as saying by Reuters.