Last week, a flying car from China called XPeng X2 completed its first test flight. The two-seater flying car performed the successful test flight at the GITEX tech expo in Dubai.
The XPeng X2 uses eight propellers, similar to a drone, to lift the car vertically. The flying car does not need a runway, so it can be used in cities. It has electric motors, can carry two people, and can fly at a speed of about 130k/mh.
The public test flight in Dubai was only 90 seconds long. However, Liu Xinyin, the chief aviation specialist at XPeng Aeroht, says that the technology is almost ready for the public to use.
The next step for flying cars is regulations. XPeng wants to work with governments to create areas in cities where flying cars will be allowed. Liu thinks that flying cars will be permitted to fly in some cities in the next 5 years. In relation to that comment, the Chinese government is planning to launch flying taxis by 2025.
The XPeng X2 also has AI. The flying car can be driven manually or controlled by the computer.
However, self-driving AI makes regulation more difficult. Governments have not decided who is responsible for accidents involving AI controlled vehicles. Also, many people are still concerned with safety issues.
VOCABULARY
- Test flight – a flight to test, observe and study the machine
- Perform – to do; to carry out; conduct; complete
- Tech = technology
- Expo – an exhibition or show; a large event where products and services are displayed
- Propeller – a rounded blade that rotates in a circle, helping to move a vehicle by pushing against water or air – usually found on airplanes and boats
- Drone – an aircraft that does not have a pilot but is controlled by someone on the ground
- Vertically – straight up; at an angle of 90° to a horizontal surface or line
- Runway – a road for airplanes to takeoff and land
- Public – general people, all people, citizens
- Chief – someone in a high management position; director; head;
- Aviation – related to flying airplanes; the flying or operating of aircraft
- Regulation – a rule; guideline; law;
- Permit – let; to give permission; OK; allow
- AI (artificial intelligence) – human intelligence in a machine. See more here.
- Launch – start selling something; introduce a new product
- Manually – using hands; by hand, not machine or computer; not automatic
- Self-driving – a car that can travel or move without a human driver
- Involve – to be a part of; to take part in; to engage with; to participate in
- Concerned – worried; anxious; troubled; bothered
Original story from CNN below:
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