The Shanghai International Auto Show, dubbed the “Exhibition of the Future,” has kicked off, with organizers expecting around 1.3 million visitors from April 23 to May 2. The main trend at the event is flying cars, showcasing how fantastical ideas from movies and books are gradually becoming a reality.
One of the most impressive exhibits is the Hongqi Tianlin 1 — the first airborne vehicle from the Chinese premium brand. This electric vehicle features a modular design, allowing it to transform from a luxurious car into an unmanned aerial vehicle.
On the roads, the Tianlin 1 looks like a stylish electric car, but in the air, it can reach speeds of up to 150 km/h and cover more than 200 km on a single charge. The controls are extremely simple: voice commands and a visual interface make it accessible even for those without piloting experience.
Another exciting innovation was presented by XPeng — the hybrid flying car Aeroht, also built on a modular principle. Its design consists of a ground and air module that can autonomously separate. The air module enables vertical takeoff and low-altitude flight, while the ground module ensures comfortable passenger transport.
The cabin can accommodate 4-5 people, and the extended-range electric drive system allows the car to serve as an additional energy source for the flying module.
The manufacturer stated that the ground version will be certified according to Chinese automotive standards, bringing its market release closer.
In addition to private use, these vehicles have enormous potential for emergency services. For instance, flying cars could rapidly deliver medical personnel to remote areas or participate in rescue operations.
Another player in this trend is GAC, which introduced the fully electric flying vehicle GOVE, designed for vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL). Its key feature is a detachable design: the cabin and landing gear can separate depending on whether flight or ground movement is needed. Both parts can move autonomously.
The manufacturer is confident that in five years, a ride in such a flying taxi will cost only 2-3 times more than a regular taxi, making the technology accessible to the mass market.
When Will Flying Cars Become a Reality?
Given the rapid advancement of technology, the first mass-produced models could hit the market by 2030. However, widespread adoption will face several challenges. First, infrastructure must be created: takeoff and landing platforms, air traffic control systems, and new laws regulating flights in urban environments.
Second, safety issues must be addressed — even a small system failure could lead to a disaster in densely populated urban areas.
Nevertheless, progress is unstoppable. Major automakers and startups are already investing billions in the development of aeromobiles, and governments worldwide are beginning to discuss standards for this new form of transport. It is likely that the first “traffic jams” in the sky will appear in the 2040s, when the technology becomes affordable and reliable enough for everyday use.
For now, the Shanghai Auto Show allows us to glimpse a future where roads are no longer the only path from point A to point B. One can only hope that humanity will be ready for the next phase of the transportation revolution — otherwise, the sky will indeed turn into a giant “traffic jam.”
Photo: freepik.com