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Xpeng: conquering the electric mobility market
As mentioned above, Xpeng, a young start-up founded a few years ago, has entered the market by focusing on the technology and a top-of-the-range positioning to attract drivers looking for innovation and premium electric vehicles.
But what about this brand?
Xpeng celebrates its 10th anniversary
Like Leapmotor and Seres, Xpeng Motors is a car manufacturer 100% electric Chinese founded in 2014 in Canton by Xia Heng and He Tao. Based in Guangzhou, southern China, the brand has been supported from the outset by :
- Lei Junfounder of Xiaomi,
- and He Xiaopengformer head of Alibaba (a Chinese Amazon) and current CEO of Xpeng
Read more : Xiaomi SU7: the Chinese operator's first electric car
Specialising exclusively in the production of top-of-the-range positioning electric vehicles and cutting-edge technology, the company is listed on the Hong Kong and New York stock exchanges.
A value proposition at the cutting edge of technology
Xiaopeng is a brilliant coder with a fortune in excess of 4 billion dollars. Aware that software is now central to modern electric vehicles, he set about creating his own brand.
Vehicles that really work like smartphones and have central units that control all the functions. And this allows you to make corrections as the vehicle's life progresses.
Visit November 2018Xpeng has launched production of its first electric model, a Electric SUV segment, the G3. The manufacturer quickly extended its range to the local market, developing clean technologies such as :
- a autonomous/semi-autonomous driving system XPilot,
- and charging stations fast similar to Tesla's Superchargers.
As a technology start-up, Xpeng stands out from traditional car manufacturers. In fact Xpeng electric cars are Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV), i.e. automobiles designed with a high degree of software integrationlike Tesla.
This approach contrasts with that of older competitors, who struggle to integrate the software organically, preferring to add it artificially to the existing mechanics.
Falling sales
Since the launch of its first model, XPeng has delivered a total of 400,000 vehicles. Nevertheless, although XPeng has considerable ambitions, it remains a minor player in China.
Reaching the symbolic figure of 200,000 electric cars to be delivered in China by 2022the sales of Xpeng have slowed compared with previous years, a trend that is continuing.
For example, in 2023the manufacturer sold 140,900 electric vehiclesrepresenting a market share of 2.73 %. Conversely, over the same period, BYD sold 1.3 million cars and Tesla over 603,000.
As a result of the intense competition on the Chinese electrical market, Xpeng wishes to turn to Old Continent in a bid to boost sales.
Xpeng in France: the ambitious action plan
Initially based in Norway in 2021, followed by the Swedenthe Denmark and Netherlands in 2022, Chinese manufacturer XPeng is continuing its expansion in Europe.
After settling in Germanythe Chinese manufacturer launched its electric vehicles in France in June 2024 and plans to expand its presence:
- in Ireland,
- in the UK,
- and southern Europe by the end of the year.
This year, 2024, XPeng aims to capture an ambitious market share of 3 % in the electric SUV segment, equivalent to about 2,000 vehicles, currently dominated by the Tesla Model Y.
Our ambition is to be the leading top-of-the-range Chinese brand in France. We want to surprise people with the technological quality of our products and, above all, offer one of the shortest charging experiences on the market.
To consult : Auto China 2024: Chinese cars shake up the West
Dozens of partnerships and investors
The fast-growing Chinese manufacturer of electric vehicles is working hard to establish itself on the French market.
Through key investments and strategic partnerships, the brand strengthens its presence and technological capabilities. These alliances with local and international players illustrate Xpeng's ambition to become an undisputed leader in the electric SUV sector in France.
Investors, Volkswageninjected 630 million euros in Xpeng in July 2023, thereby acquiring almost 5 % in the capital of the Chinese manufacturer. This investment has been put in place so that the German manufacturer can :
- conceive of new models,
- and develop the China Electrical Architecture platform (CEA) for the local production of the brand's electric vehicles.
For its establishment in France, Xpeng has also entered into a partnership with Ayvens (resulting from the merger of ALD and LeasePlan) and CGI Financeboth leaders in car financing and sustainable mobility.
As a result, Xpeng will be able to offer its customers a financing solution at leasingThese are either long-term leases or leases with a purchase option.
For further information : Should you buy your electric car on a long-term or leased basis?
XPeng also owns :
- a subsidiary of HT Aero dedicated to flying taxis,
- and the autonomous vehicle from DiDi (the Chinese equivalent of Uber).
Alibaba is also one of XPeng's key investors.
But that's not all: the group currently has :
- from 3 plants in China (Wuhan and Guangzhou),
- where 600,000 electric cars every year
- from 3 plants in China (Wuhan and Guangzhou),
- and where facilities dedicated to the manufacture of electric batteries and motors include
- and a research and development centre based in Silicon Valley.
On the other hand, among the signatory partners, we have :
- BPM,
- Eden Auto,
- Easy Motor,
- Mozart Autos,
- Jean Lain Mobilités,
- and Car Avenue groups.
And at Auto China 2024, Brian Gu (vice-president of Xpeng) suggested that the European Commission's investigation might encourage the manufacturer to invest in factories or suppliers abroadwith the aim of increasing production at lower cost.
A few months later, when the brand was launched in FranceShunqiang Qiang, Managing Director of Xpeng, said that a industrial site was being studied in Europe.
For more context : Tax on Chinese electric cars: the impact on Europe
Around fifty concessions in the pipeline by 2025
Currently with 15 operational sitesXpeng aims to increase this number to 35 by the end of the year and to 55 by December 2025, all located within a few kilometres of each other. maximum distance of 50 minutes from its customers. The first dealerships to open are at :
- Lyon,
- Le Canet,
- and Valenciennes.
In addition, the brand is in the process of defining precise standards in the dealerships of its aforementioned partners.
To be more precise, they must follow a number of guidelines to the letter:
- Integrate workshops on signage specific to Xpeng.
- Assign a dedicated vendor having monitoring commercial and technical training.
- Having a between 150 and 200 m² exhibition space respecting Xpeng's visual identity by offering 2 copies of each model:
- one for the courtesy,
- and one for the marketing.
Please note that there will be no no direct sales in France and that their distribution will be through dealers only, according to Romain Caubet, the brand's Development Director in France.
Xpeng launches in France with 2 electric SUVs
Xpeng offers electric saloons in its catalogue, but has preferred to concentrate on SUVs, which are considered easier to market in Europe and therefore in France. However, unlike the strategy implemented in Norway since 2020, the Chinese brand will not be selling its P7 model in France.
Naturally, Xpeng did not will not benefit from environmental bonus and its vehicles will also be subject to customs tax set up by the European Commission.
To find out more : Tax on Chinese electric cars: 30 models affected
Xpeng G9
Since 15 Maythe Xpeng G9 model combines advanced technologies and comfort is now available for pre-order in France, with deliveries expected in July.
This electric SUV, measuring 4.89 m longhas a format similar to that ofAudi Q8 e-tronalthough more affordable.
What's more, the Xpeng G9 is available in 3 versionswith a basic version at €59,990well below that of premium German brands. The four-wheel drive performance version is available at a price of 73 990 €.
Here are a few technology features that are well worth a look:
- 360° camera,
- 4 heated seats,
- 15W cordless charger,
- panoramic glass roof,
- surround sound system,
- Xpilot 2.5 driver assistance systems,
- passenger seat with leg support,
- 15-inch screen with various entertainment platforms.
In addition, a exclusive options package is available for €3,990including Nappa leather seats with massage function and a enhanced audio system with 18 loudspeakers and Dolby Atmos technology for the ultimate immersive sound experience.
But that's not all: a electric hitch can be added to 1 290 € and several colours can be chosen for this electric car :
- Metallic paint at €1,000:
- Silver Frost,
- Graphite Gray,
- or Midnight Black.
- Kaitoke Green Matte paint: 1 500 €.
Here is a summary of the technical specifications of this promising electric SUV, based on the 3 versions on offer:
| Xpeng G9 RWD Autonomie Standard | Xpeng G9 RWD Autonomie Étendue | Xpeng G9 AWD Performance | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
TRANSMISSION
|
Propulsion
|
Propulsion
|
4-wheel drive
|
|
POWER
|
313 ea
|
313 ea
|
551 hp
|
|
0 TO 100 KM/H
|
6,4 s
|
6,4 s
|
3,9 s
|
|
AUTONOMY (WLTP CYCLE)
|
460 km
|
570 km
|
520 km
|
|
78.4 kWh
|
98 kWh
|
98 kWh
|
|
|
RECHARGING POWER
|
11 kW
|
11 kW
|
11 kW
|
|
RECHARGE FROM 10 TO 80%
|
20 min
|
20 min
|
20 min
|
|
PRICE
|
59 990 €
|
63 990 €
|
73 990 €
|
Xpeng G6
The electric family SUV-coupe that is the Xpeng G6 will be available to order in Junewith first deliveries scheduled for September in France. It will also be on display at the Paris Motor Show in October.
It's a slightly smaller model than the G9, at 4.75 m, corresponding to the dimensions of the Tesla Model Y. Nevertheless, the more rounded design and the the quality of the interior is both sober and meticulous.
Sound starting price will be €42,990, or 2,000 less than the Tesla Model Y.
Its technological characteristics are as follows:
- 4 USB ports,
- ventilated seats,
- panoramic roof,
- 50W wireless charger,
- 10-inch on-board screen,
- retractable door handles,
- 12 cameras for parking assistance.
As for the technical specifications of this other electric SUV, here is a summary of the 3 versions offered by the manufacturer:
| Xpeng G6 RWD Autonomie Standard | Xpeng G6 RWD Autonomie Étendue | Xpeng G6 AWD Performance | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
TRANSMISSION
|
Propulsion
|
Propulsion
|
4-wheel drive
|
|
POWER
|
255 ea
|
280 hp
|
470 hp
|
|
0 TO 100 KM/H
|
6,9 s
|
6,7 s
|
4,1 s
|
|
AUTONOMY (WLTP CYCLE)
|
435 km
|
570 km
|
550 km
|
|
BATTERY
|
66 kWh
|
87.5 kWh
|
87.5 kWh
|
|
RECHARGE FROM 10 TO 80%
|
20 min
|
20 min
|
20 min
|
|
PRICE
|
42 990 €
|
46 990 €
|
50 990 €
|
Conclusion
Is Xpeng's arrival on the French market a revolution for the automotive industry? It's hard to say at the moment. The Chinese manufacturer is banking on attractive prices and a cutting-edge technology. Will it be able to compete with the established carmakers? Only time will tell.
Nevertheless, this strategic move offers French consumers an attractive and potentially more accessible alternative in a market that is undergoing major transformation.
In the meantime, keep up to date with the latest developments in the sector by exploring our other websites blog posts on electric cars on Beev !
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