Chinese firm Xpeng builds driverless cabs, likely to challenge Tesla’s FSD software in AI race
The EV maker has embarked on mass production of the robotaxis using its own chips and plans to trial the tech before the end of the year
Guangzhou-based Xpeng said its robotaxis would have level 4 (L4) self-driving capabilities and be powered by four of its self-developed Turing AI chips.
According to SAE International, a global standards body, L4 allowed a driverless cab to navigate designated areas without requiring human intervention.
“Xpeng plans to initiate pilot robotaxi operations in the second half of this year to validate technical viability, user acceptance and the complete business model,” it said in a statement on Monday. “The company aims to achieve fully autonomous operations without [an] on-site safety officer by early 2027.”
Founded in 2014, Xpeng has long been dubbed a Tesla challenger in mainland China as it developed and assembled intelligent electric cars to take on Model 3 and Model Y vehicles.