Chinese EV start-up Xpeng reinforces global push with export of P5 family sedan to four European countries
- The P5 is the first mass-produced electric car equipped with lidar
- However, exports headed for Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden will not be fitted with lidar and instead come with the Xpilot 2.5 driving assistance system
Chinese smart electric vehicle (EV) start-up Xpeng Motors has started taking orders for its new P5 model in four European markets, stepping up its global expansion pace.
The Guangzhou-based company said the P5 family sedan, the first mass-produced EV guided by lidar sensors, will be sold in Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.
But the first batch of exports will not be fitted with lidar, which stands for light detection and ranging, and instead come with the Xpilot 2.5 driving assistance system. The lidar-guided P5 sold in China is equipped with Xpilot 3.5, the latest version of the system.
“The Xpeng P5’s arrival in four key European markets is a new demonstration of our commitment to Europe,” said Leon He, vice-president of Xpeng. “The P5 brings a host of differentiated features to a new customer base in Europe, a market where we are building ourselves as a long-term player.”
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Xpeng, backed by Alibaba Group Holding – owner of the South China Morning Post – and smartphone maker Xiaomi, has yet to unveil the prices for the Europe-bound cars. On the mainland, the basic non-lidar version, 460G, is priced at 157,900 yuan (US$24,977).
The premium edition, or 600P, that comes with lidar technology provided by Livox, an affiliate of drone maker DJI, sells for 223,900 yuan.