KATHMANDU: Two Xpeng Aeroht electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft crashed during a rehearsal for the Changchun Air Show on September 16, according to Chinese media.
One passenger was taken to the hospital with injuries but is reported to be out of danger.
The cause of the collision is not yet clear. Xpeng Aeroht, the flying car division of Xpeng Motors, has not released an official statement about the incident.
Founded in 2013, Xpeng Aeroht develops modular flying cars, tilt-rotor aircraft and other eVTOL models. Its Land Aircraft Carrier (LAC) made headlines last year with its first public flight and has since received over 2,000 orders. The LAC recently obtained a special flight permit in the UAE.
The accident took place ahead of the Changchun Air Show, scheduled to begin in September 19. The company has been showcasing its flying vehicles at events worldwide.
Industry observers say the crash underlines the challenges of operating aircraft in low-altitude airspace. The Xpeng eVTOL can fly 5–6 times on a full charge, has a 270-degree panoramic cockpit and can be flown manually or in autonomous mode.
Meanwhile, in Nepal, the Deepal eVTOL was showcased as a highlight of the NADA Auto Show 2025, held in August at Bhrikuti Mandap. It was the first flying car ever displayed at a Nepali auto exhibition, brought by MAW Vriddhi, the distributor of Changan.
