China's Xpeng expects to start full-scale delivery of 'flying' cars in 2027

Jerusalem Post/World NewsGu also said there is "tremendous potential" to increase cooperation with German automaker Volkswagen, which last month began mass production of its first EV model, developed jointly with Xpeng.Vice Chairman and President of Chinese EV maker XPeng, Brian Gu, poses for pictures during an interview with Reuters before the Auto China show, at an XPeng dealership in Beijing, China, April 23, 2026.(photo credit: REUTERS/TINGSHU WANG)ByREUTERSAPRIL 24, 2026 09:37Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng expects to start large-scale production of its "flying" cars next year and of its humanoid robots in the fourth quarter of 2026, President Brian Gu told Reuters on Thursday.Gu also said there is "tremendous potential" to increase cooperation with German automaker Volkswagen, which last month began mass production of its first EV model, developed jointly with Xpeng."There are a lot of areas that we can partner and really provide value to each other," Gu said, adding that Xpeng was also open to partnerships with other automakers."We need to be nimble and willing to partner with different players in different regions."Xpeng has received more than 7,000 orders for its flying cars, the majority of which are in China, where the company is working on obtaining approval from the country's aviation authorities.A staff member attends to a customer next to a GX SUV by Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker XPeng, at an XPeng dealership, in Beijing, China, April 23, 2026. (credit: REUTERS/TINGSHU WANG)Company to begin producing thousands of robotaxisThe automaker expects to start making early deliveries of the flying cars late this year, according to Gu.Speaking to Reuters ahead of the Beijing Auto Show, Gu said the company would start robotaxi tests in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou this year and that 2027 will be a "critical year" for "tests around the world with partners."He said the company will likely produce hundreds to thousands of robotaxis over the next 12 to 18 months.Gu said its humanoid robots will initially be used as receptionists or in sales to interact with customers. He said that within the next 10 to 20 years, Xpeng's robot business should be larger than its automotive division as "there will be more use cases for humanoid robots in our lives."Like many other Chinese automakers, Xpeng has expanded overseas and currently operates in about 60 countries outside China.Gu said that last year, Xpeng generated about 10% of its sales volume and around 15% of its revenue from overseas sales.He added that in the next five to 10 years, "more than 50% of the revenue should come from outside of China."

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There are a lot of areas that we can partner and really provide value to each other.

From Beijing, the pace of innovation in China's electric vehicle sector continues to astound. XPeng, a leading domestic player, is not just looking at the road but also to the skies and beyond, with ambitious plans for "flying" cars and humanoid robots. This forward-thinking approach, particularly the development of flying vehicles, highlights China's drive to be at the forefront of future transportation technologies.

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We need to be nimble and willing to partner with different players in different regions.

While Western media often focuses on established automotive giants, Chinese companies like XPeng are pushing boundaries with concepts that were once confined to science fiction. The company's significant order book for flying cars and its strategic partnerships, including with Volkswagen, underscore a global ambition that extends far beyond domestic markets. This aggressive expansion strategy, aiming for over half of its revenue to come from abroad within a decade, signals a major shift in the global automotive landscape.

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there will be more use cases for humanoid robots in our lives.

The development of humanoid robots, with the potential to surpass the automotive division in scale, further illustrates XPeng's vision. This diversification into robotics, coupled with their advancements in EVs and aerial vehicles, positions XPeng as a multifaceted technology powerhouse. Their progress is a testament to China's rapidly advancing technological capabilities and its growing influence in global industries.

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more than 50% of the revenue should come from outside of China.