CHINA is racing to transform its cities with 100,000 flying cars hovering through the skies in just six years, a new report has said.
These futuristic vehicles, are set to revolutionise urban transportation, serving as family cars, air taxis, and even delivery vans.
6
6
6
China’s major cities are already building the groundwork for this airborne transformation.
The report by the China Low Altitude Economic Alliance reveals that air traffic networks and ground facilities for flying vehicles will be largely completed in the next two to three years.
This infrastructure will enable the mass production and commercialisation of Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Vehicles – or eVTOLs – by 2026.
While current eVTOLs cost a hefty 10 million RMB (£1 million), prices are expected to drop significantly by 2030.
A family-friendly, four- or five-seat flying car could cost between 200,000 and 300,000 (2-3 million RMB) making them more accessible.
Advancements in artificial intelligence and unmanned technology are key to this vision.
The report predicts widespread use of autonomous eVTOLs for logistics, agriculture, urban management, tourism, and emergency rescue operations.
Drone technology is also evolving rapidly.
Companies like Beijing-based i-Kingtec have developed fully autonomous drone garages capable of operating over vast areas.
These are already being used for tasks like power grid inspections and environmental monitoring.
As this industry takes off, safety and regulation are top priorities.
Anti-drone equipment is gaining attention, with technologies to detect and manage rogue drones around sensitive locations like airports and power plants.
Companies are also working with authorities to establish no-fly zones and ensure safe operations.
China is embracing a “golden decade” for its low-altitude economy, which includes drones and eVTOLs.
This sector is expected to grow to a staggering 3 trillion RMB (£326 billion) by 2030.
Ehang, a leader in the field, has already delivered nearly 300 EH216-S eVTOLs and recently completed a test flight using advanced solid-state batteries.
Other companies, such as Xpeng Aeroht, are targeting mass production by 2026, with prices starting under 2 million RMB.
China’s success could influence other developing nations, exporting its low-altitude economy model worldwide.
With support from over 100 enterprises, including major players like Geely and Ehang, the China Low Altitude Economic Alliance is spearheading this ambitious effort.
By 2030, flying cars could shift from sci-fi fantasy to a daily reality for millions of people in China—transforming cities and setting a new standard for urban mobility.
6
6
6
It comes as flying drone taxis that can hit speeds of 115mph could take to the skies by next year.
Engineers at Brazil‘s Eve Air Mobility are hoping to launch sleek, silent aircraft that take off vertically and glide over city streets.
At the helm of the project is Johann Bordais, who told The Sun about the future of flying taxis – and how Eve is preparing for a world where they could transform the way we live, work, and commute.
Eve has already racked up 30 customers – building an order book of 2,900 eVTOL vehicles – the largest pre-order tally in the industry.
Bordais told the Sun: “We have the biggest pre-order book in the industry, with a total of 2,900 vehicles pre-sold.
“But the roadblock will be ecosystem readiness, not technology.”
While the vehicles – known as eVTOLs – are advancing rapidly, there’s a longer journey ahead to build the infrastructure to support the new form of travel.
This includes a new air traffic management system, vertical take-off and landing ports and also charging ports for the electric flying taxis.
“We’ll have to find a new air traffic management solution so we can scale up,” Bordais explained.
He said that while the tech is there, the world is still figuring out how to integrate these futuristic vehicles into our skies.
What are eVTOLs?
eVTOLs, or electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicles, are a new category of aircraft designed to take off, hover, and land vertically using electric propulsion systems.
These innovative vehicles represent a significant step toward the future of sustainable and efficient air mobility.
Unlike traditional aircraft that rely on runways, eVTOLs operate vertically, making them particularly suited for use in urban areas where space is limited.
They are powered by electric motors, typically using rechargeable batteries, although hybrid systems combining electric and fuel-based propulsion are also under development.
This electric propulsion makes them quieter and more environmentally friendly than conventional aircraft.
One of the most exciting aspects of eVTOL technology is its potential to transform transportation.
In urban areas, eVTOLs could serve as air taxis, alleviating traffic congestion and reducing commute times.
Beyond cities, they could provide quick, efficient travel between regional destinations, bridging gaps where trains or highways might be slower or unavailable.
Their ability to operate in tight spaces and remote areas also makes them valuable for emergency services, such as medical evacuations or disaster response.
They are also being explored for cargo transport, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to ground-based logistics.
In the military and defence sectors, eVTOLs could be used for reconnaissance, troop transport, or delivering supplies in challenging terrains.
