XPeng, the Chinese EV manufacturer, has unveiled its new vehicle technology architecture, SEPA (Smart Electric Platform Architecture) 2.0, in a bid to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market. The company’s latest platform was unveiled at a launch event in Shanghai, ahead of the city’s annual auto show. The automaker said the new architecture would support XPeng’s full-stack in-house development from autonomous driving software to vehicle engineering. The introduction of SEPA 2.0 will shorten the R&D cycle for future models by 20%, while optimizing development efficiency significantly.
One of the key benefits of the new architecture is the interoperability and interchangeability of common and modular components between new models, which will reach 80%. The automaker claims this feature will enable it to meet diverse customer needs at an optimized cost. The adaptable and flexible architecture can support multiple vehicle platforms with wheelbases between 1,800 mm and 3,200 mm, including sedan, coupe, hatchback, wagon, SUV, MPV, and pickup truck.
The SEPA 2.0 architecture is designed to make advancements in technology available to customers as standard, with faster software upgrades, cost savings, and an elevated product experience. According to He Xiaopeng, XPeng chairman and CEO, the intelligent architecture will lead smart EV technology development for the next three years. He believes that reaching three million units in annual sales is crucial for the survival and growth of an EV company. For this reason, cost control, efficient R&D, and high-end experience are essential, and will be the basis for globalization efforts.
XPeng has invested over RMB 10 billion ($1.46 billion) in R&D on vehicle architecture over the past five years. The company’s chairman and CEO believes that the company’s better platform will soon launch ten new models with even greater cost savings.
XPeng’s new SEPA 2.0 architecture represents a significant development in the EV industry. The automaker’s ability to reduce R&D costs and develop new models more efficiently will give it a competitive edge in an industry where technology is constantly evolving. With this new architecture, XPeng is well-positioned to deliver advanced technology to customers, enhance its product offering, and meet the diverse needs of customers in China and beyond.
Xpeng Technology Day w new platform. Xpeng held their annual tech day on the eve of the #ShanghaiAutoShow. Lots of news. New platform:
SEPA2.0 Fuyao (扶摇) Global Intelligent Evolution Architecture. This technology is divided into 5 parts:
1. X-EEA electronic and electrical… pic.twitter.com/rX60zTXg0x
— Tycho de Feijter (@TychodeFeijter) April 16, 2023
