XPeng AeroHT’s ‘modular flying car’ will enter mass production, pre-orders begin in Q4
During a press event held during CES in Las Vegas, XPeng’s electric aviation business arm AeroHT shared new details regarding two of its “flying cars.” In addition to live demonstrations of its eVTOL flying supercar, XPeng AeroHT shared that its modular “Land Aircraft Carrier” will enter mass production.
AeroHT is an eVTOL-focused entity of XPeng Inc., majority-owned by the company and its founder He Xiaopeng. Since 2013, AeroHT has conducted tens of thousands of safe flights en route to developing and implementing electric flying vehicles at scale.
Its mobility sibling, XPeng Motors, has delivered some impressive technology in its own right, but many would argue that AeroHT’s technology is even more exciting. During XPeng’s annual 1024 Tech Day event in 2022, AeroHT introduced its seventh generation flying car. Others have used that term loosely, but this prototype is a genuine EV that drives, deploys propellers, and can take off into the sky.
2023’s Tech Day brought the debut of two new “flying car” designs, including a revamped version of the flying supercar mentioned above. New to the AeroHT family was a 6×6 all-wheel drive EV that houses an eVTOL aircraft in its rear. That vehicle has come to be known as the “Land Aircraft Carrier,” and according to news from XPeng and AeroHT in Vegas today, will enter mass production in 2025.
XPeng AeroHT’s flying car carrier to begin pre-orders in Q4
During a press event held live at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, XPeng AeroHT shared significant updates on the progress of its “flying car” technology. First, the Land Aircraft Carrier in the featured image above has been slotted for scaled production in 2025.
Before then, however, the company will open pre-orders for the modular EV/ eVTOL combo beginning in Q4 of this year. Described by its makers as “not another mere concept,” AeroHT shared that the Land Aircraft Carrier has already completed all necessary tests during its R&D validation phase and has now begun the preparation stage for mass production.
While XPeng AeroHT states the final design of the “flying car” is still in development, it should feature the following specs if and when scaled production begins:
- Ground Module (BEV)
- Accommodates 4-5 passengers.
- Extended-range electric powertrain can recharge the eVTOL air module multiple times.
- Three-axle, six-wheel configuration enables 6×6 all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering.
- Air Module (eVTOL)
- Fully-electric piloted aircraft capable of vertical takeoff/landing and low-altitude flights.
- Its electric propulsion system meets single-point failure safety requirements.
- The eVTOL supports manual and autonomous flight modes.
- A 270° panoramic two-person cockpit offers a wide field of view.
Despite pre-orders in the pipeline, XPeng AeroHT is not sharing precisely what its Land Aircraft Carrier “flying car” will cost. XPeng founder He Xiaopeng said the carrier would be priced in the RMB 1 million segment ($140,500). We will learn more concrete pricing once the company debuts its final design.
In addition, the scaled production of the eVTOL carrier, XPeng AeroHT, also wowed the CES crowd with its international debut and a live demonstration of its flying supercar. The EV transitioned into flight mode – deploying its rotor-equipped arms before completing a successful vertical takeoff and landing.
When XPeng AeroHT introduced the sixth generation of the flying car during 1024 Tech Day 2021, it was expected to arrive sometime in 2024 and cost less than RMB 1,000,000 (~$156,600). However, that no longer seems to be the targeted arrival as the electric aviation arm’s production focus appears set on the Land Aircraft Carrier, at least for now.
That isn’t to say we won’t see this genuine flying EV reach production someday, and given today’s live demo, it appears more feasible than ever. For now, however, our sights are set on Q4 2024, when Land Aircraft Carrier pre-orders begin.
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Mazda’s new electric SUV, the EZ-60, set a record in China after securing over 20,000 orders. It is about the size of a Tesla Model Y and will soon launch in overseas markets like Europe.
Meet Mazda’s new EZ-60 electric SUV
Mazda calls it a “dream car” with a sleek new design, class-leading features, and advanced smart driving technology.
The EZ60 is Changan Mazda’s, the company’s joint venture in China, first electric SUV and second EV following the EZ-6 sedan.
After securing over 20,000 orders, Changan Mazda announced the EZ-60 set a new record as the fastest joint venture new energy SUV to reach the milestone.
Mazda’s new electric SUV received 10,060 orders in 24 hours after it opened following its global debut at the Shanghai Auto Show on April 23. On May 9, Changan Mazda said EZ-60 orders exceeded 18,000, also setting a record for joint venture electric SUVs.
Like the EZ-6 sedan, Mazda’s electric SUV features its new “Soul of Motion” design, including a redesigned logo, slim LED headlights, and an LED lightbar that stretches across the front.
It comes loaded with “a number of world-first technologies,” including a 100″ naked-eye 3D head-up display (HUD) and a 26.45″ floating infotainment, which the company claims is “the largest size, thinnest body, and narrowest frame in its class.”
The unique D-pillar air duct gives it “the million-level supercar design” while improving airflow and efficiency. With nine air ducts and sixteen vents, the company said overall wind resistance is improved by 60.8 counts.
Launching globally
The EZ-60 is available in purely battery electric (EV) and extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain options.
Mazda’s new electric SUV will officially launch by the end of August. Following the EZ-6, which will go by “6e” overseas, the EZ-60 will be Changan Mazda’s second EV to launch globally.
Based on Changan’s EPA1 platform, which underpins the Deepal SO7, the electric SUV is expected to have a driving range of around 600 km. Prices and full specs will be revealed closer to launch. Check back soon for more info. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.
Mazda’s electric SUV is 4,850 mm long, 1,935 mm wide, and 1,620 mm tall, or about the same size as the new Tesla Model Y (4,797 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall).
The EZ-6 starts at 139,800 yuan in China, or about $20,000, and has a CLTC driving range of up to 600 km (372 miles). Changan Mazda introduced a new Sport Edition earlier this month, with black side skirts and wheels, red brake callipers, and a few other upgrades.
In Europe, the electric sedan will arrive as the Mazda 6e. It will be available with two battery packs: 68.8 kWh or 80 kWh, good for WLTP driving range of 479 km (300 miles) and 552 km (343 miles), respectively.
What do you think of Mazda’s new electric SUV? Would you buy one in the US, Europe, or other global markets? Let us know your thoughts below.
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Lexus may have just given you a reason to check out its electric SUV. The Lexus RZ is getting some notable upgrades for the 2026 model year, including up to 300 miles of driving range, an NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers, and plenty more.
2026 Lexus RZ makes North American debut
After introducing the upgraded electric SUV in Europe earlier this year, we are finally getting a look at the new electric SUV coming to the US.
The 2026 Lexus RZ made its North American debut this week with more power, added range, and several new features.
For one, a new F Sport variant arrives with a sporty new style inside and out. The 2026 RZ 550e F Sport is the most powerful RZ model yet. With a 402 hp AWD powertrain, the sporty new variant can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
It also gains a new “M Mode” that features virtual manual gear shifting to make it feel like a manual transmission.
The new F-Sport model gets exclusive elements like F Sport branding on the rear spoiler, front and rear bumpers, and front grille. It will be available in a new “Wind” color, a solid gray with “subtle metallic highlight.”
All 2026 Lexus RZ models get a redesigned interior with an improved panorama glass roof, which provides more shade and a clearer view. The F Sport interior has black Ultrasuede material with blue stitching available. Other upgrades include F Sport scuff plates, steering wheel, and pedals.
The 2026 model will be available in three different trims: RZ 350e FWD (221 hp), RZ 450e AWD (308 hp), and RZ 55e F-Sport AWD (402 hp).
Lexus also added an NACS charging port on the passenger side, enabling access to Tesla Superchargers across North America.
| 2026 Lexus RZ model | Output | 0 to 60 mph Acceleration | Battery | Range |
| RZ 350e FWD | 221 hp | 7.2 sec | 74.69 kWh | 300 miles |
| RZ 450e AWD | 308 hp | 4.9 sec | 74.69 kWh | 260 miles (18″ tires) |
| RZ 550e F Sport AWD | 402 hp | 4.1 sec | 76.96 kWh | 225 miles (20″ tires) |
The 2026 Lexus RZ 350e now features an EPA-estimated driving range of around 300 miles, a big improvement from the 266 miles for the outgoing model. Other models, including the RZ 450e and RZ 550e, deliver up to 260 miles and 225 miles of driving range, respectively.
All 2026 Lexus RZ models will be assembled in Japan. Lexus will reveal full details, including specs and pricing, closer to when it goes on sale later this year. Check back soon for the latest.
With the 2026 model year arriving, Lexus is offering generous discounts on the 2025 RZ with up to $10,000 in bonus cash and leases starting as low as $379 per month. You can use our link to find deals on 2025 Lexus RZ models at a dealer near you today.
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Environment
Zoox expands testing fleet to seventh US city, hopes to bring robotaxis to ‘Silicon Valley of the South’
Veteran robotaxi developer Zoox has announced an expansion of its testing fleet to a seventh US market. This latest addition marks Zoox’s (potential) entry into the southeastern United States as its team begins to map out the area ahead of bona fide autonomous robotaxi rides.
Rather than converting existing EVs into robotaxis like its competitors, Zoox has designed and delivered an entirely purpose-built EV without pedals or a steering wheel. However, that rollout has been relatively small compared to Zoox’s entire US operation, much of which remains in the testing phase.
Those testing vehicles are retrofitted SUVs equipped with LiDAR and other sensors, plus a human driver operating inside.
In June 2023, the company began driving on public roads in Las Vegas before expanding its Las Vegas geofence to a five-mile route in 2024. Since then, Zoox has not offered public rides in its bespoke robotaxis. However, Zoox has significantly expanded its North American testing fleet into additional cities, hoping to eventually reach that milestone.
Those cities include the San Francisco Bay Area, Las Vegas, Seattle, Miami, Austin, and most recently, Los Angeles. Today, Zoox announced testing has expanded to a seventh city – Atlanta.
Zoox begins testing roadmaps around Atlanta, Georgia
Zoox issued a press release today detailing its latest market and reiterating that it is merely laying the groundwork for purpose-built robotaxi rides in the future. Per Zoox:
Known as the ‘Silicon Valley of the South,’ Atlanta is one of the largest ride-hailing markets in the United States. As one of the fastest-growing technology hubs, the city welcomes autonomous vehicle testing and innovation in many fields.
Atlanta also has a growing population, diverse road conditions, traffic patterns, and unique weather conditions, including frequent thunderstorms. The city is located in a dense, urban landscape, which creates a strong demand for efficient transportation solutions like on-demand autonomous ride-hailing.
As it has already in the six other markets mentioned above, Zoox said it will begin with a small deployment of testing vehicles, driven around manually by its employees to gather mapping data, including road geometry and traffic lights.
Once Atlanta is entirely mapped out manually, Zoox plans to begin testing its autonomous driving technology before expanding to public rides. Per Zoox:
We see promise in bringing our robotaxi service to Atlanta in the future, and we look forward to offering Atlantans this unique and private space to socialize, rock out, or relax while being transported to their destination. Give us a wave when you spot us on the road, and keep your eyes out for when we roll out the robotaxi in the not-too-distant future.
Before we see commercial operations in Atlanta, Zoox plans to begin welcoming public riders into its proprietary robotaxi vehicles in Las Vegas and San Francisco later this year.
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