With the aim to surpass Tesla in the realm of full self-driving, Xpeng has introduced a direct competitor to the Model 3, priced below $30,000, which includes complimentary full self-driving and autoparking features.
Competition Intensifies in China
Several of Tesla's top rivals in China, such as BYD, Xpeng, and NIO, are rapidly advancing their driver assistance technologies, striving to differentiate themselves and draw in more consumers. This ongoing competition has led to significant innovations and enhancements in the automotive sector.
Introducing the Xpeng P7+
A notable example is the new Xpeng P7+ sedan, which directly challenges the Model 3 with its price being 10% lower than Tesla's most affordable model. Xpeng refers to the P7+ as “the first AI car,” as it utilizes artificial intelligence to manage all aspects of the vehicle, including autonomous driving, energy efficiency, and thermal control for the first time ever.
This new vehicle showcases Xpeng's commitment to AI; it's their initial smart car that doesn't rely on LiDAR for self-driving operations. Instead, they have adopted Tesla's method, equipping the P7+ with Eagle Eye vision technology, which they claim provides greater accuracy than their prior LiDAR-based self-driving systems.
Advanced Technology and Capabilities
The innovative mix of AI software with camera and sensor technology allows the P7+ to map an area equivalent to two football fields in all weather and road conditions. With Eagle Eye, Xpeng is on track to potentially be the first automotive company to implement its self-driving technology in major cities and along highways by year-end.
The system supports seamless intelligent driving capabilities, allowing for door-to-door travel and parking space navigation. This stands in stark contrast to Tesla's full self-driving, which has yet to receive approval in China.
Specifications That Standout
When it comes to specifications, the P7+ boasts a slightly longer range than the Tesla Model 3 and operates its self-driving software on two Nvidia Orin X chips, with the cabin entertainment system powered by a high-end Snapdragon 8295 processor.
The AI-driven powertrain also achieves an impressive efficiency of around 18 kWh per 100 miles, and the P7+ is constructed on a contemporary 800V architecture, enabling rapid charging capabilities.
Pre-orders have begun at a starting price of $29,610, which might be adjusted downwards before the official launch next month. Tesla is encountering significant rivalry in China, capturing only 6.4% of the new energy vehicle market there last month.
Xpeng (Weibo) via SCMP
