The emergence of the trillion-dollar low-altitude economy has sparked a rapid evolution in the realm of flying carsFollowing the introduction of its multi-rotor flying car technology in June of last year, GAC Group has proudly unveiled its latest flying car brand, “GOVY AirJet.” This launch includes the debut of the GOVY AirJet, the brand's first composite wing flying car, which promises to revolutionize aerial transportation.

The design of the GOVY AirJet integrates features of both fixed-wing and multi-rotor aircraft to achieve unprecedented efficiencyOver 90% of its structure is composed of carbon fiber composite materials, significantly reducing its weight to one-third that of a typical car of the same volumeIn terms of its propulsion system, the GOVY AirJet boasts a motor torque density that surpasses electric vehicles by an impressive 200%, allowing it to reach maximum flight speeds of 250 kilometers per hour

Its advanced battery pack, crafted from high-safety carbon fiber with an 82% integration efficiency, enables a range exceeding 200 kilometers and supports quick recharging within 30 minutesLooking to the future, the integration of GAC’s all-solid-state batteries could extend this range to an incredible 400 kilometers.

In alignment with the modernization of transport technology, the GOVY AirJet incorporates a plethora of intelligent systemsThis includes specialized radio communication, an ADS-C protocol, a single BeiDou satellite system, high and low earth orbit satellite networks, and sophisticated 5G-A technologies, all of which work synergistically to create a complete redundant unmanned flight systemAdding to its arsenal of advanced features, the vehicle is equipped with real-time monitoring, remote diagnostic capabilities, automatic obstacle avoidance, and return-to-home functionalities, all supported by a full suite of cameras and radar-based perception systems.

According to Su Qingpeng from GAC’s research institute, flying cars represent a natural progression in the automotive industry's four transformations

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To facilitate this transition, GAC is actively recruiting aviation experts to bolster its flying vehicle development initiativesDuring the development of the GOVY AirJet, eight power systems were tested, ensuring that even with one or two systems malfunctioning, the vehicle could still operate safely and effectivelyMoreover, multiple battery packs enhance reliability by guaranteeing that the failure of one unit does not compromise overall performance.

Within the framework of the Robo-AirTaxi system, GAC has delineated its strategy for short-distance travelFor journeys within 20 kilometers, the GOVY AirCar will serve commuters, while the composite wing flying car, GOVY AirJet, is designed to meet the needs of medium-range travel, specifically within 200 kilometers.

Looking ahead, GAC’s ambitious plans include obtaining airworthiness certification for flying cars by 2025, establishing production lines, and commencing reservations

By 2027, they aim to roll out demonstration operations for flying vehicles in two or three cities within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

On the topic of investment and profitability concerning GAC's flying cars, Wu Jian, director of GAC’s research institute, emphasized a balanced approach: “GAC will allocate a certain proportion of its funds to research and development for flying cars, and in the future, we will leverage social capital to collaboratively develop our projectsWe are in the process of incubating a new company focused on flying cars.”

This year has witnessed a flurry of activity among various enterprises, such as XPeng Airlines, GAC Group, and Changan Automobile, in furthering developments in flying carsXPeng Airlines has set a pre-sale price for its “land carrier” flying car at under 2 million yuan, with mass production slated for 2026 and an anticipated annual output of 10,000 units

Recently, a successful test flight was conducted in the bustling Lujiazui area of ShanghaiMeanwhile, Changan Automobile is eyeing a partnership announcement by December 21 to advance its flying car researchThe company has previously announced plans to concurrently develop two categories of products in the low-altitude aircraft and flying car sectors, aiming to launch viable flying car solutions before 2026.

Compounding this industry momentum, stocks related to the flying car sector have surged over 30% this yearThe low-altitude economy, closely tied to the development of flying cars, harbors immense potential, with the Civil Aviation Administration of China estimating a market size of 1.5 trillion yuan by 2025 and an anticipated rise to 3.5 trillion yuan by 2035.

Su Qingpeng outlines three key stages in the evolution of the low-altitude economyThe first stage focuses on addressing the demand for manned transportation, beginning with tourist excursions and short-distance experience-based travel

This will gradually transition to the second stage, wherein airborne taxis will become a practical realityBy 2030, he envisions air travel becoming a commonplace method of transportationCurrently, the industry is making strides in the first stage, with steady progress toward the second.

Despite the promising trajectory of flying cars, the industry is in its nascent phase and faces significant challenges, including inadequate regulations and standards, unclear policy frameworks, insufficient infrastructure, battery energy density constraints, and the need to reconcile ease of travel with minimal energy consumption.

According to Wu Songquan, a senior engineer at the China Automotive Technology and Research Center’s Strategic and Policy Research Institute, while flying cars showcase enormous growth potential, a suite of unresolved issues currently restrains the transition from concept to reality