Leading Chinese smart electric vehicle company XPeng has launched an autonomous driving expedition with its fleet of XPeng P7s, covering a total distance of 3,675 km across six provinces and 10 cities in China, starting from Guangzhou, to Shantou, Quanzhou, Wenzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Nanjing, Qingdao, Jinan and finishing off in Beijing.

Completing the journey last week, XPeng recorded the longest autonomous driving expedition by mass-produced vehicles in China, showcasing the capability of its advanced Navigation Guided Pilot (NGP), a full-stack autonomous driving solution. Since the NGP’s launch on January 26th, over one million km has been driven by XPeng P7 users in China alone.

To find out more, Auto Futures speaks to XPeng’s Vice President of Autonomous Driving, Mr. Xinzhou Wu, who explains the idea behind the challenge and shares some of the main findings that have been uncovered during the trial. Most importantly, he also discusses the significance of the challenge, which he hopes will propel both XPeng and the wider autonomous industry into new markets and opportunities. 

“We wanted to demonstrate to the world our technical capabilities and set a record for the longest navigation-assisted autonomous vehicle drive on China’s highways,” he explains. “The expedition has demonstrated that P7 drivers can rely on NGP for the majority of their highway driving. During the drive, the frequency of human driver intervention was as low as 0.65 times per 100 kilometers and under one time per 100 kilometers in five out of the six days.”

asia, autos, cars, xpeng, mr. xinzhou wu, xpeng sets new record for autonomous driving

NGP, which forms the basis of XPeng’s autonomous driving system, XPILOT 3.0, conducts automatic navigation assisted driving from A to B based on the navigation route set by the driver. In relation to other self-driving technology, it boasts a much higher execution rate during day-to-day driving, with the success for lane changing and overtaking around 86.05% to 97.91% and highway ramp entering and existing success rate from 83.76% to 96.93%. In addition to this, the tunnel pass-through success rate achieved 100%, which is usually a common problem for most self-driving systems on the market today. 

The system is able to understand China’s complex road conditions and scenarios, including navigating tunnels with GPS, recognising specific road signs, traffic cones and construction sites. Ultimately, the trial has demonstrated the system’s effectiveness when the car encounters these scenarios.

The Smart EV Company

XPeng refers to itself as a Smart EV company, taking a two-pronged approach to electrification and self-driving technology. WU believes that it is key that the brand does not prioritise one without the other, developing all of its autonomous driving technology and in-car intelligent operating systems in-house, as well as the core vehicle systems such as powertrain and the electronic architecture.

“This demonstrates why we refer to XPeng as a ‘Smart EV’ company, where ‘smart’ technology is just as important to us as ‘EV’ technology. Our mission is to drive this ‘Smart EV’ transformation with technology and data, taking a key role in the mobility experience of the future,” he says.

This positions XPengs current and future offerings as a viable answer to the new era of transport, with the most advanced systems capable of driving, protecting and entertaining passengers on their journey. Above all, this level of efficiency gives confidence to the public, especially in the field of automation, proving that these vehicles on sale today are safe and can be driven thousands of highway kilometers safely with minimal driver intervention.

“Ultimately, our P7 drivers can intervene at any time in their vehicles, but the technology is helping them alleviate some of the stresses of driving,” continues Wu. “We strive to provide our customers with a safer driving experience by using cutting edge technologies in the mass-produces models, not as a concept. A long-distance drive like this demonstrates quite clearly what the current tech is capable of.”

asia, autos, cars, xpeng, mr. xinzhou wu, xpeng sets new record for autonomous driving

Exploring New Markets 

The challenge illustrates Xpeng as a leader in the global autonomous vehicle sector, which will help the company propel its business beyond the Asian market, as it looks to explore the US and Europe in the near future.

However, the quality of support, whether that is from the government or the private sector, is lacking in comparison to countries like China. This makes it difficult for a company like XPeng to recreate the same success until the market picks up further. Despite this, both Europe and the US are accelerating their EV sectors, with more infrastructure being built at a much higher rate than before. There is still some way to go, but once we see more support and consumer demand, there will be an extremely exciting market for XPeng to penetrate and compete with some of the largest automakers in the world. 

“There are several countries outside of China that appeal to us because of their current uptake of EVs and the government incentives and policies, high EV awareness, and more advanced EV infrastructure. The most attractive markets will of course be top priorities for us,” says Wu.

“But it is important to stress that we are taking a long-term view and a country-specific approach in terms of developing a business model based on local conditions. Looking at autonomous driving capability specifically, the mapping infrastructure in Europe and North America isn’t of the same quality as we currently find in China, meaning we will need to localise the relevant components to offer the vehicle’s full potential. We are making good progress on that.”

asia, autos, cars, xpeng, mr. xinzhou wu, xpeng sets new record for autonomous driving

Following the success of the driving trial, Wu and his team will continue to develop and test smart, emission-free cars for a growing number of people interested in new technology. Later in 2021 XPeng aims to introduce a smaller family-sized sedan, which will be its third smart electric model after the G3 and P7.

“In the second quarter of 2021, we will unveil and begin selling our third mass-produced vehicle model. This brand-new design will be the first mass-produced smart electric vehicle equipped with lidar and will support our XPILOT 3.5,” he says.

“Leveraging our visual-based perception capability complemented by lidar, we plan to roll out XPILOT 3.5 which will support NGP on major urban roads. In addition, it will feature an innovative, third-generation smart cockpit, connecting the vehicle to everyday life in an even closer way. Mass delivery of this new model will start in the fourth quarter of this year.”

XPeng also plans to release multiple Over-the-Air updates of XPILOT 3.0 in 2021. This will include memory parking and a further improved version of the NPG to enhance the safety, functionality and performance of vehicles. Finally, it will introduce XPILOT 4.0, built on a next-generation autonomous driving hardware platform to be deployed on its fourth model, which will be launched in 2022.

With so much happening, this is yet another reason to continue monitoring XPeng, a sleeping giant on the world stage ready to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Tesla. 

Keyword: XPeng Sets New Record for Autonomous Driving

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

XPeng Motors shares plans to expand to these three additional markets in 2024

Despite recent financial ups and downs correlating with company news, XPeng Motors is looking to expand its global footprint of available EVs. According to words from the Chinese automaker’s president earlier today, XPeng will be beginning sales in three new markets around Europe, beginning next year. XPeng’s entry into ...

View more: XPeng Motors shares plans to expand to these three additional markets in 2024

XPeng Delivered 13,690 EVs In August 2023

The majority of the volume falls on the all-new G6 model.

View more: XPeng Delivered 13,690 EVs In August 2023

Xpeng says it plans to expand into more European markets next year

MUNICH, Sept 4 (Reuters) – Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng (9868.HK) plans to expand into more European markets, including Germany, Britain and France in 2024, president Brian Gu told reporters on Monday at the IAA Mobility motor show in Munich. The company will distribute its G9 and P7 EVs ...

View more: Xpeng says it plans to expand into more European markets next year

XPeng Buys DiDi's Smart EV Project To Build $20,000 Electric Car

The all-stock deal will see DiDi become a strategic shareholder of XPeng with a stake of up to 5.2 percent worth $744 million.

View more: XPeng Buys DiDi's Smart EV Project To Build $20,000 Electric Car

XPeng buying Didi’s Smart electric car unit to launch new affordable EV brand in 2024

Chinese EV maker XPeng (XPEV) announced Monday it plans to buy out Didi Global’s Smart electric car division. XPeng revealed the partners will launch a new mass-market EV brand next year with a starting price of around 150,000 RMB (roughly $20,500). XPeng to launch new affordable EV brand According ...

View more: XPeng buying Didi’s Smart electric car unit to launch new affordable EV brand in 2024

China's Xpeng to take over Didi's autonomus vehicle unit, eyeing 2024 launch

HONG KONG, Aug 28 (Reuters) – China's car hailing giant Didi said it is selling its autonomous vehicle unit to electric car company Xpeng, forming a strategic partnership to launch a new car brand in 2024. An A-class smart EV model will be launched in 2024 as the debut ...

View more: China's Xpeng to take over Didi's autonomus vehicle unit, eyeing 2024 launch

Xpeng's former autonomous driving head joins Nvidia

SHANGHAI, Aug 24 (Reuters) – The former vice president of autonomous driving at Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng (9868.HK), Wu Xinhou, is joining U.S. artificial intelligence giant Nvidia (NVDA.O), he said on Thursday. Wu did not disclose what role he was taking up at Nvidia but Chinese media outlet ...

View more: Xpeng's former autonomous driving head joins Nvidia

XPeng stock slips after Q2 record loss, yet its Tesla Model Y rival EV is boosting sales

Chinese EV maker XPeng Motors (XPEV) released its second-quarter earnings Friday, showing a rebound in revenue but record losses. Meanwhile, the recently launched XPeng G6, viewed as a Tesla Model Y rival, is already “turbocharging” sales growth. XPeng (XPEV) losses grow in Q2, despite higher revenue XPeng delivered 23,205 ...

View more: XPeng stock slips after Q2 record loss, yet its Tesla Model Y rival EV is boosting sales

China's Xpeng falls on dull forecast as EV price war takes toll

XPeng (XPEV) shares fall after autonomous driving leader resigns

XPeng EV Sales Returned To Five Digits In July 2023

VW-Xpeng EV models to use Xpeng platform in boost for Chinese startup

Volkswagen Group expands ties in China, investing millions in XPeng Motors to co-develop EVs

Volkswagen to expand China EV line-up with Xpeng, SAIC partnerships

VW Group Takes 5% Stake In XPeng, Reveals More On Audi-SAIC Deal

Over 800,000 NEVs sold in China over June

XPeng expands international presence, establishing partnership with Freesbe for Israel market

XPeng EV Sales Further Declined In June 2023

XPeng G6 Releases In China As Budget Tesla Model Y Alternative

Xpeng launches G6 SUV at even lower prices in China

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel