Written by Cláudio Afonso | LinkedIn | X
XPeng, the carmaker founded in 2014 and has been developing fully electric models since then, is gearing up to launch its first hybrid model later this year.
Two pictures of a heavily camouflaged SUV appeared on Chinese social media platforms this Wednesday, with automotive bloggers claiming it to be XPeng’s first hybrid model—an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) that primarily runs on electricity but uses a gasoline engine as a generator to extend its range.
In the past six months, Guangzhou-based XPeng launched and began deliveries of the Mona M03 and P7+ sedans, now its best-selling models. Refreshed versions of the G6 and G9 SUVs and a brand new SUV (G7) are also set to enter the Chinese market soon.
The company unveiled late last year its first extended-range system claiming it delivers up to 1,400 km of combined range and up to 430 km of battery range.
XPeng’s Hybrid System
Named Kunpeng, the system is based on an 800V high-voltage silicon carbide platform and features a 5C ultra-fast charging AI-powered battery along with a hybrid silicon carbide coaxial electric drive.
“It features an ultra-quiet range extender with noise levels as low as 1 dB, along with AI-driven power optimization that facilitates a seamless transition between pure electric and range-extended driving modes,” XPeng said amid the launch.
Expansion to the UK
Earlier today, the company announced its entry into the UK market and opened pre-orders for the G6 SUV.
The company said the G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV will start at £39,990, with deliveries expected in March 2025. XPeng and its UK distributor, International Motors Limited (IML), plan to open 20 dealerships across the country this year.
Weekly Registrations
Last week, XPeng registered 3,400 vehicles between February 3 and 9, data shared by the carmaker Li Auto showed earlier this week. In the previous two weeks combined, the company had recorded 11,100 EVs.
As reported last week, BlackRock reduced its stake in Chinese carmaker XPeng in Q4 to 4.7%, holding 72.77 million shares as of December 31. The world’s asset manager sold 10.03 million shares in the last quarter of 2024.
