Two flying vehicles collided during a practice session for an air exhibition, showcasing the capabilities of the technology. Following the mid-air crash, one of the vehicles caught fire upon landing. Despite one individual sustaining injuries, the company assured that all spectators were unharmed during the pre-show for the Changchun Air Show scheduled later this week in northeastern China.
Video footage shared on the Chinese social media platform Weibo depicted a burning vehicle on the ground, receiving attention from firefighting teams. Xpeng AeroHT, the company owning both vehicles, reported to CNN that one of the vehicles suffered fuselage damage and ignited upon landing.
In their statement, the company confirmed the safety of all personnel on-site, with local authorities efficiently implementing emergency protocols.
These electric flying cars are designed for vertical take-off and landing, with each unit projected to be priced around £220,000. Xpeng previously announced having received approximately 3,000 pre-orders for the vehicle in January. The company, already recognized as one of the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, recently expanded its operations into Europe.
Xpeng aims to replicate its electric vehicle success by spearheading the early adoption of this technology, anticipating widespread future usage. The company’s ambition is to pioneer the “low-altitude economy” on a global scale.