In what feels like a scene pulled straight from science fiction, China has just introduced a fully electric flying car — and it’s not just a prototype, it’s real, affordable, and already preparing for mass production. Even more shocking? The person raising the alarm is none other than Elon Musk, the same man synonymous with futuristic tech and transportation innovation.

The vehicle, dubbed the Xpeng X2, represents a massive leap forward in aerial mobility. Developed by Xpeng Technologies — one of China’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers — this aircraft has successfully completed vertical takeoff and autonomous flight over Shenzhen Talent Park in 2024. But the most dramatic twist in this technological saga is the long, contentious history between Xpeng and Tesla — a feud rooted in allegations of intellectual property theft and espionage.

A New Era of Personal Flight

The Xpeng X2 isn’t just a sleek, futuristic prototype — it’s a working vehicle with over 6,000 test flights under its belt. Made of lightweight carbon fiber, featuring aggressive headlight designs, a panoramic cockpit, and powered by eight electric motors, this aircraft is part of a broader “land-air system” that includes a LAN aircraft carrier — essentially a futuristic truck that looks uncannily similar to Tesla’s Cybertruck.

The vision is simple yet revolutionary: you drive to work — until traffic hits. Then, your personal aircraft detaches from the back of the truck, takes off vertically, and gets you to your destination through the sky. Meanwhile, the truck autonomously navigates to reunite with you later.

The most stunning part? Reports suggest the X2 could sell for as low as $5,000, with mass production slated for 2026. That price tag includes government subsidies and the company’s willingness to operate at a loss to dominate the market.

 The Tesla–Xpeng Feud: Theft, Lawsuits, and Shadows

Why is Elon Musk suddenly talking about this? The answer lies in a lawsuit dating back to 2019.

Tesla accused a former Chinese engineer — a key architect of its Autopilot system — of illegally copying 300,000+ proprietary files and transferring them to Xpeng before resigning. Although the engineer never admitted guilt, he eventually settled financially in 2021, reportedly using money provided by Xpeng.

The damage, however, was already done. Analysts argue that access to Tesla’s source code may have accelerated Xpeng’s development by years, particularly in autonomous navigation systems. Even Musk — rarely one to praise competitors — has acknowledged that Xpeng’s flying EV could be the “superior technology” that reshapes transportation.

Trouble for Tesla?

While Xpeng soars, Tesla struggles. The American EV giant has had a rough few quarters, with:

• An 8% stock plunge, shaving off over $700 billion in market value.

• The Cybertruck nhận phải nhiều chỉ trích gay gắt vì thiết kế

• rollout receiving harsh criticism for its design, manufacturing flaws, and reliability.

• Reports of surface rusting, high repair costs, and potential insurance rejections for the Cybertruck.

• Rising public backlash, partly fueled by Musk’s political affiliations.

Meanwhile, Western investors are increasingly shifting their focus toward Asian firms, leaving Tesla more vulnerable than ever.

China’s Government Is All In

Xpeng isn’t doing this alone. The Chinese government has injected billions into the “low-altitude economy,” a new industry aimed at filling the skies with personal aircraft by 2035. Government policies, grants, and public-private partnerships have already created a market estimated at $70 billion, with projections of reaching $3 trillion by 2035.

Their goal: 10,000 X2 units by the end of 2025, with full commercial rollout beginning early 2026.

What’s at Stake?

If Xpeng succeeds in bringing a $5,000 flying car to market before Tesla can catch up, the implications are massive:

• China leapfrogs the U.S. in transportation tech.

• Tesla loses its innovation crown, especially in autonomous systems.

• The EV market is redefined, blending land and air mobility in ways never before imagined.

Musk’s concern isn’t just about competition. It’s about national technological supremacy. If the allegations are true, and China’s advancements were built on Tesla’s stolen code, it means a foreign rival has fast-tracked its way past one of America’s most iconic tech giants — with support from a powerful government eager to lead the next transportation revolution.

The Sky Isn’t the Limit Anymore

With Xpeng’s X2 flying car, the future has arrived faster than anyone expected. While Tesla works through lawsuits, public scrutiny, and an aging product line, China is launching a new mobility ecosystem at the speed of sound — and Musk knows it.

As the X2 prepares for mass production, one thing is clear: the next great transportation war won’t be fought on roads — it’ll be won in the skies.