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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 technology and a high-end 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 an 100% electric carmaker Chinese founded in 2014 in Guangzhou 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 first electric car from the Chinese operator
Specializing exclusively in the production of high-end positioning electric vehicles and cutting-edge technology, the company is listed on the Hong Kong and New York stock exchanges. listed on the Hong Kong and New York stock exchanges.
A value proposition at the cutting edge of technology
Xiaopeng is a brilliant 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, with central units that control all functions. And this allows you to make corrections as the vehicle's life progresses.
At November 2018Xpeng launched production of its first electric model, an electric electric SUV in the C segment, the G3. The manufacturer quickly expanded its range on the local market, developing clean technologies such as :
- a autonomous/semi-autonomous driving system XPilot,
- and charging stations charging stations similar to Tesla's Superchargers.
As a technology start-up, Xpeng stands apart from traditional carmakers. In fact Xpeng electric cars are Software-Defined Vehicles (SDV), i.e. automobiles cars designed with a high degree of software integrationlike Tesla.
This approach contrasts with that of older competitors, who struggle to integrate software organically, preferring to add it artificially to the existing mechanics.
Declining sales
Since the launch of its first model, XPeng has delivered a total of 400,000 vehicles. Nevertheless, despite XPeng's considerable ambitions, it remains a minor player in China.
Indeed, reaching the symbolic figure of 200,000 electric cars delivered in China by 2022sales Xpeng sales have slowed down compared with previous years, a trend that continues.
For example, in 2023the automaker sold 140,900 electric vehiclesrepresenting a market share of 2.73. In contrast, over the same period BYD sold 1.3 million cars and Tesla more than 603,000.
In view of the intense competition in the Chinese electric vehicle market, Xpeng is looking to the Europe in an attempt to boost sales..
Xpeng in France: an ambitious action plan
Initially implemented in Norway in 2021, followed by Swedenfollowed by Denmark and the Netherlands in 2022, Chinese manufacturer XPeng continues 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.
Indeed, this year, 2024, XPeng aims to capture an ambitious 3% market share in the electric SUV segment, equivalent to about 2,000 vehicles, currently dominated by the Tesla Model Y.
Our ambition is to be the first high-end Chinese brand in France. We want to surprise with the technological quality of our products and, above all, offer one of the shortest recharging experiences on the market.
To consult : Auto China 2024: Chinese cars shake up the West
Dozens of partnerships and investors
The fast-growing Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer is sparing no effort to establish itself on the French market.
Through key investments and strategic partnerships, the brand strengthens its technological presence and 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, Volkswagen injected 630 million euros in Xpeng in July 2023, acquiring almost 5% of the Chinese automaker's capital. This investment was made so that the German automaker could :
- design new models,
- and develop the China Electrical Architecture (CEA) platform for 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 automotive financing and sustainable mobility.
As a result, Xpeng will be able to offer its customers a financing solution at leasingeither long-term rental or rental with purchase option.
For further information : Should you buy your electric car on a leased or leasing basis?
XPeng also owns :
- a subsidiary of HT Aero subsidiary dedicated to flying cabs,
- and the autonomous vehicle branch of 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 dedicated to the manufacture of electric batteries and motors. include
- and a research and development center center 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 automaker to invest in overseas factories or suppliersto increase production at lower cost.
A few months later, at the brand's launch in FranceShunqiang Qiang, Xpeng's Managing Director, mentioned that an industrial was being studied in Europe..
For more context : Tax on Chinese electric cars: the impact on Europe
Some 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 maximum distance of 50 minutes from its customers. The first such concessions to be opened are in :
- Lyon, France,
- Le Canet,
- and Valenciennes.
What's more, the brand is in the process of defining precise standards in the dealerships of its aforementioned partners.
For greater precision, they must follow several guidelines to the letter:
- Integrate signage specific to Xpeng.
- Assign a dedicated salesperson with training technical training.
- Have a between 150 and 200 m² exhibition space respecting Xpeng's visual identity by offering 2 copies of each model:
- one for courtesy,
- and one for marketing.
Please note that there will be direct sales in France and their only through dealerships, according to Romain Caubet, the brand's Development Director in France.
Xpeng launches in France with 2 electric SUVs
Xpeng offers electric sedans in its catalog, but preferred to focus on SUVs, judged 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 will not benefit from the environmental bonus and its vehicles will also be subject to the customs tax introduced by the European Commission.
Further information : Tax on Chinese electric cars: 30 models affected
Xpeng G9
Since May 15ththe Xpeng G9, combining advanced advanced technologies and comfort is available for pre-order in France, with deliveries scheduled for July.
This electric SUV, measuring 4.89 m in lengthwith a format similar to that of theAudi 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 priced at 73 990 €.
Here are just a few of the technology features that are worth checking out:
- 360° camera,
- 4 heated seats,
- 15W cordless charger,
- panoramic glass roof,
- surround sound system,
- Xpilot 2.5 driver assistance systems,
- passenger seat including leg support,
- 15-inch screen with various entertainment platforms.
What's more, an exclusive options package is available for €3,990including Nappa leather seats with massage function and an enhanced audio system with 18 speakers and Dolby Atmos technology for an immersive sound immersive sound experience.
But that's not all: an electric hitch can be added for 1 290 € and several colors to choose from for this electric car:
- Metallic paint at €1,000 :
- Silver Frost,
- Graphite Gray,
- or Midnight Black.
- Kaitoke Green Matte paint : 1 500 €.
As regards the technical specifications of this promising electric SUV, here is a summary table based on the 3 versions on offer:
| Xpeng G9 RWD Autonomy Standard | Xpeng G9 RWD Extended autonomy | Xpeng G9 AWD Performance | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
TRANSMISSION
|
Propulsion |
Propulsion
|
4-wheel drive
|
|
POWER
|
313 hp
|
313 hp |
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 |
|
|
CHARGING CAPACITY
|
11 kW
|
11 kW
|
11 kW
|
|
10% TO 80% RECHARGE
|
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 deliveries scheduled for September in France. It will also be on display at the Paris Motor Show in October.
It's slightly less imposing than the G9, at 4.75 m, corresponding to the dimensions of the Tesla Model Y. Nevertheless, the design is more rounded and the and the quality of the interior is both sober and meticulous..
Its starting price will be €42,990, or 2,000 less than the Tesla Model Y.
The technological characteristics of the latter are as follows:
- 4 USB ports,
- ventilated seats,
- panoramic roof,
- 50W cordless 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 table of the 3 versions offered by the manufacturer:
| Xpeng G6 RWD Autonomy Standard | Xpeng G6 RWD Extended range | Xpeng G6 AWD Performance | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
TRANSMISSION
|
Propulsion |
Propulsion
|
4-wheel drive
|
|
POWER
|
255 hp
|
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 |
|
10% TO 80% RECHARGE
|
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 present. The Chinese manufacturer is banking on attractive prices and cutting-edge technology. Will it be able to compete with established carmakers? Only time will tell.
Nevertheless, this strategic move offers French consumers an attractive and potentially more accessible alternative in a market undergoing rapid transformation.
In the meantime, keep up to date with the latest developments in the sector by exploring our other blog posts on electric cars on Beev !
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