XPeng‘s founder and CEO He Xiaopeng has revealed that the company is considering launching its hybrid models in Europe.
His statement comes a month after the extended-range X9 MPV was spotted undergoing testing in the region, including at Germany’s Nürburgring racetrack.
The ‘X9 Power X’ extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) was launched late last week in its domestic market, with a starting price of 309,800 yuan ($43,580).
For comparison, the fully electric version, which was upgraded earlier this year, is priced from 359,800 yuan ($50,620).
The CEO had stated at the latest earnings call that EREVs will be “crucial for accelerating the shift from ICE [internal combustion engine] vehicles to NEV [new energy vehicles],” which include both hybrid and fully electric models.
He further noted that the company has seen interest jump, especially in the north and inland China, attracting clients who hesitated on adopting battery electric vehicles (BEV).
Less than a week after its debut, XPeng is reportedly accelerating its supply chain to ramp up production of the X9 EREV, citing strong demand at launch.
X9 in Europe
Speaking with Automotive News Europe, He Xiaopeng said that the brand’s new hybrid model could fit into its European lineup as an alternative for buyers who are not ready to go full-electric.
“I think battery-electric is more important but extended-range EVs could work in some countries in Europe,” the chief executive noted.
Despite the hint, He did not mention a timeline.
The ‘X9 Power X’ can travel up to 1,602 km (about 995 miles) when the 60L fuel tank and the battery are fully charged, which granted the model a certification as the ‘World’s Longest-Range Large Seven-Seater,’ according to China Automotive Technology & Research Center.
At the launch event, He said that the car will appeal to customers in countries with “far from adequate” charging facilities, as opposed to electric models.
XPeng’s European lineup currently consists of the G6 and G9 SUVs (including both the earlier and 2025 versions), as well as the previous-generation P7 sedan, which remains on sale in some markets.
The portfolio in Europe is expected to expand significantly next year with the arrival of the Mona series and the new P7 in 2026.
While the company hasn’t officially introduced its X9 MPV in European markets, Automotive News reported this Wednesday that the carmaker “has started sales of the X9 battery-electric model in the UK.”
So far, the only XPeng models available in right-hand-drive versions are the G6 and the X9, included in several Asian markets.
However, in the UK the brand entered only with the G6 in February.
EREVs in Europe
Stellantis-backed Leapmotor is the only Chinese automaker offering extended-range technology in Europe, with its C10 mid-size SUV. The model is offered in both EREV and BEV versions, as first noted by Automotive News.
Under current EU duties, EREVs imported from China are subject to the same tariffs as fully electric vehicles and do not receive the exemption granted to plug-in hybrids (PHEV).
Chinese automakers such as BYD and Chery, on the contrary, have built significant market share in Europe with PHEVs.
However, XPeng‘s CEO sees the extended-range technology being more suitable for larger vehicles, such as multi-purpose vans.
The X9 MPV is expected to take the “majority” of the model’s sales compared to the electric version, the company’s President Brian Gu said last week.
