Flying Cars To Land By 2024, Xpeng Tells Buyers

Xpeng Heitech, a flying car startup backed by electric vehicle maker Xpeng, said on Wednesday that it would deliver flying cars to customers in 2024.

The startup, founded in 2013 and funded by Xpeng and Xpeng's chief executive He Xiaopeng, now employs 400 people and will expand its workforce to have 700 people by the end of this year, company founder Zhao Deli told the World New Energy Vehicle Congress.

Xpeng Heitech's model will be able to drive on roads, Zhao said. The electric flying car will be able to drive more than 600 kilometres on roads with a single charge but Zhao did not say how far it would be able to fly.

Other carmakers that are developing flying cars in China include Geely's Terrafugia, which is building a factory in the central city of Wuhan. Volkswagen AG is also studying the industry.

Regulators on the mainland, however, have not yet rolled out detailed rules on the flying vehicles. (Reuters)