The future of transportation is rapidly evolving, with visionary designers leading the charge towards a world where flying cars could become a reality. At a recent event in London, Rafig Ferrag, the creative mind behind Chinese automotive brand Xpeng, shared insights on how art, technology, and innovative design are converging to redefine our driving experience. As the automotive landscape shifts toward electrification and autonomy, the possibilities for the future of mobility seem boundless.
A Glimpse into Tomorrow’s Vehicles
During an engaging afternoon at the London Art Fair, Ferrag revealed how Xpeng is navigating the intersection of automotive design and cutting-edge technology. Having previously worked for major manufacturers like Peugeot, Citroën, and Honda, Ferrag has brought a wealth of experience to Xpeng. He emphasised that the foundation of great design lies in an appreciation for beauty across various artistic mediums. “The genesis of the design started because of drawing—a passion for drawing, a passion for art,” he noted, indicating that aesthetics play a crucial role in automotive development.
The Xpeng G6, currently available in the UK, exemplifies this philosophy, featuring an attractive design that includes a full-width front light bar—a characteristic that predated similar features in competitors like the Tesla Model Y. Meanwhile, the Xpeng P7+ boasts a more striking appearance, while the G9 successfully combines the elegance of an SUV with a modern flair.
Autonomous Driving: The Next Frontier
As Ferrag and I delved into the future of automotive design, the conversation shifted to the potential impact of fully autonomous vehicles. He explained that current safety regulations significantly shape vehicle design, limiting creativity until we reach level five autonomy. “With an EV, you get a skateboard platform, and then we can put pretty much anything on top of it,” Ferrag explained. “However, the regulations are still there—safety regulations—and these are shaping the cars today.”
Once fully autonomous vehicles are realised, Ferrag believes designers will have the freedom to explore entirely new shapes and forms. “This will be the next level of creativity for designers,” he predicted, hinting at an exciting era where the limits of car design could be pushed further than ever before.
The Dawn of Flying Cars
Ferrag’s vision extends beyond traditional vehicles; he is also at the forefront of developing flying cars through Xpeng’s offshoot, Xpeng AeroHT. “If you experience this in real life, this is already the future to me,” he expressed enthusiastically. Having transitioned from a more conventional automotive environment in France to a company that is actively working on flying prototypes, Ferrag is convinced that this innovation is imminent. “We are working on robots that behave almost like humans today,” he said. “If you see it, you’d be astonished by the progress. So it’s close—actually, very, very close.”
When asked whether flying cars would replace current vehicles, Ferrag offered a nuanced perspective. “Replaced? Probably not,” he acknowledged. Instead, he suggested that as we expand into a three-dimensional world of transport, traditional ground vehicles may become less central to our daily lives. “The 3D platform is the air, and it is still open for exploration,” he remarked, highlighting the vast potential for new forms of mobility.
Anticipating the Future
Looking ahead, Ferrag and I have plans to reconnect at the Beijing Auto Show in April, where he will unveil Xpeng’s latest flying car prototypes and advanced robotics. Our next discussion could very well take place amidst the clouds, illustrating just how far automotive design may have come by then.
Why it Matters
The evolution of automotive design is not merely a matter of aesthetics; it represents a profound shift in how we think about mobility. As technology advances and regulations adapt, we are on the brink of a new era where creativity knows no bounds. The prospect of flying vehicles and autonomous transport could transform our urban landscapes and redefine our day-to-day experiences. Understanding the visionaries behind these changes is crucial, as they will shape not only the vehicles of the future but the very fabric of modern life.
