China has long held a lead in electric mobility, from EVs to drones and flying taxis. Companies like XPeng AeroHT and EHang were seen as pioneers. But Tesla’s latest move changes everything.
China’s state-backed eVTOL projects—still stuck in regulatory limbo and prototype phases—now face a nightmare scenario: a mass-market-ready American rival that’s cheaper, faster, and backed by the most iconic name in EV innovation.
Key Specs of the Tesla Model-Aerus
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Vertical Takeoff & Landing (VTOL)
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Range (Flight): 420 miles on full charge
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Top Speed: 760 mph (subsonic, supersonic variant in development)
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Seating: 2 passengers
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Autopilot-Aeronautics: Enhanced Tesla AI with 360° airspace awareness
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Charging: Tesla HyperAir pad – 80% charge in 20 minutes
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Noise Profile: 65 dB (quieter than a lawn mower)
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Carbon Emissions: Zero
One of the most revolutionary features is its compatibility with Tesla’s existing Supercharger network—many of which will be retrofitted with “HyperAir Pads” to support e-plane charging.
Designed for the Skies—and the Masses
Musk confirmed the first batch of Model-Aerus e-planes would ship in late 2026, with early test flights already underway across Nevada and Arizona. Pre-orders are open now, with over 180,000 reservations within the first 48 hours.
The aircraft’s sleek form—resembling a fusion of a Tesla Roadster and a military drone—was designed by Franz von Holzhausen, who called it “the most emotional, elegant vehicle Tesla has ever built.”
More importantly, Tesla is making it accessible. The plane can be piloted manually or flown autonomously, and training is included for all buyers. Musk noted that in the long term, “You won’t need to be a pilot. You’ll just need a destination.”
A Final Word from Musk
“This isn’t just about a plane,” Musk said as the Model-Aerus landed vertically behind him. “It’s about freedom—freedom from traffic, from pollution, from outdated systems. We’re putting the sky back into the hands of the people.”
As Wall Street reacts, legacy aviation trembles, and Chinese firms scramble to respond, one thing is undeniable:
Tesla’s electric plane has just redrawn the map of human mobility—and grounded China’s dreams in the process. -