Xpeng flying cars collide during Changchun air show rehearsal in China VIDEO

Two flying cars from a unit of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng Inc. reportedly collided while airborne during a rehearsal for the Changchun air show, raising renewed concerns over the safety of the technology.

According to Xpeng Aeroht, the EV maker’s subsidiary established in 2020, cited by Bloomberg, one of the electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) caught fire upon landing, while the other managed to touch down safely. Footage of the incident showed black smoke rising from the damaged eVTOL in a flat grassy field, with firetrucks on site.

The company stated that the collision occurred because the two aircraft flew too close together during practice. Authorities have since cleared the scene and are conducting an investigation into the cause.

🇨🇳 2 FLYING CARS ERUPTS IN FLAMES AFTER CRASH IN CHINA

Two Xpeng AeroHT flying cars collided during a rehearsal for the Changchun air show in China.

One eVTOL caught fire upon landing while the other managed to touch down safely, according to the company.

The incident,… pic.twitter.com/9QQJDKXR7a

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 17, 2025

The incident could pose a setback for Xpeng Aeroht, which has been preparing to launch deliveries of its Land Aircraft Carrier — a regular EV paired with a detachable eVTOL module. The Land Aircraft Carrier is currently available for pre-order in China and is expected to enter mass production in 2026.

China has promoted the vision of a low-altitude economy that would boost the eVTOL sector and accelerate mass deployment. However, safety and reliability concerns persist regarding flying vehicles that could transport people over short distances, many of which are intended to operate pilotless.

Xpeng Aeroht confirmed that no one was injured, although an ambulance was present at the scene, and firetrucks worked to extinguish flames engulfing the damaged vehicle, as seen in videos shared on social media. Company representatives did not immediately respond to questions regarding potential injuries.

This eVTOL accident comes shortly after Xpeng recalled the majority of its P7+ electric sedans last week due to a steering fault.

By Tamilla Hasanova