Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng is accelerating its push beyond conventional mobility, setting timelines for large-scale flying car production and humanoid robots as it bets on a broader technology-driven future.
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Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng is accelerating its push beyond conventional mobility, setting timelines for large-scale flying car production and humanoid robots as it bets on a broader technology-driven future.
According to Reuters reporting, the company expects to begin mass production of its flying cars as early as next year, while targeting the fourth quarter of 2026 for humanoid robot production, signalling a significant expansion beyond its core EV business.
Xpeng’s roadmap reflects a widening scope that blends transport, automation and artificial intelligence.
Speaking to Reuters ahead of the Beijing Auto Show, President Brian Gu outlined a staggered rollout across several emerging technologies. The company is not only advancing flying vehicles but also preparing to test autonomous ride services and deploy humanoid machines in customer-facing roles.
Key operational milestones include:
Gu told Reuters that 2027 would be a “critical year” for global robotaxi testing with partners, indicating the company’s intent to expand beyond China.
Xpeng’s ambitions come alongside early signs of demand for its flying vehicles, though regulatory approvals remain a key constraint.
Reuters reported that the company has already received more than 7,000 orders for its flying cars, with most demand concentrated in China. However, commercial deployment hinges on approvals from Chinese aviation authorities, a process that could shape rollout timelines.
The company expects to begin initial deliveries later this year, suggesting a phased entry into the market before scaling production.
Collaboration is emerging as a central pillar of Xpeng’s expansion strategy, particularly as it navigates global markets and capital-intensive technologies.
Gu highlighted “tremendous potential” to deepen cooperation with Volkswagen, which recently began mass production of its first jointly developed EV model with Xpeng, according to Reuters.
“There are a lot of areas that we can partner and really provide value to each other,” Gu said, adding that the company remains open to working with multiple automakers across regions.
He stressed the need for flexibility, noting that Xpeng must remain “nimble” in forming partnerships tailored to different markets.
While electric vehicles remain central to Xpeng’s current business, the company is positioning robotics as a future revenue driver.
According to Reuters, Xpeng’s humanoid robots will initially be deployed in reception and sales roles, interacting directly with customers. Over time, the company expects broader use cases to emerge across industries.
Gu said that within the next 10 to 20 years, the robot business could surpass the automotive division, reflecting a long-term shift in how the company defines its core market.
Like several Chinese automakers, Xpeng is increasing its global footprint as domestic competition intensifies.
Reuters reported that the company already operates in around 60 countries, with overseas markets contributing about 10 percent of sales volume and roughly 15 percent of revenue last year.
Looking ahead, Xpeng expects more than half of its revenue to come from international markets within five to ten years, underlining the importance of global expansion to its growth strategy.
Xpeng’s roadmap underscores a broader transition underway in the automotive sector, where companies are evolving into mobility and technology platforms.
The combination of flying vehicles, autonomous services and humanoid robotics places the company among a small group of manufacturers attempting to redefine transport and human-machine interaction simultaneously.
Execution, however, will depend on regulatory approvals, technological reliability and the ability to scale partnerships globally.
For now, Xpeng’s timelines offer a clear signal of intent: to move beyond electric vehicles and position itself at the centre of the next generation of mobility and automation.
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