China unveils 1st electric flying car

By Fatma Zehra Solmaz

ISTANBUL (AA) – China has unveiled its first electric-powered flying car, designed by Southeast University in eastern Jiangsu province.

The Kunpeng No.1 is the first flying car based on distributed electric drive technology, using a car as its primary carrier rather than relying on drone technology, Yin Guodong, the project leader, told daily Global Times on Thursday.

It enables “smooth transitions between driving on the ground and flying in the air,” said Yin, who teaches at the university’s School of Mechanical Engineering.

According to the research team, unlike regular electric aircraft that take off and land vertically, the Kunpeng No.1 is “built as a land-air vehicle, combining the ability of ground mobility and aerial vehicle movement.”

It is equipped with four coaxial rotors providing it with greater stability, compactness, and lift.

Yin said the project aims to develop the low-altitude economy.

With a 20-minute-long flight capacity, it can carry up to 500 kilograms of weight and reach an altitude of over 300 meters.

On the ground, it can travel at a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour, according to the university.

Currently, the vehicle uses a high-capacity power battery.