Chinese automaker XPeng has set an ambitious goal to achieve Level 4 autonomous driving in China by next year, as outlined at an AI Day event on May 20 and reiterated during an earnings call the following day.
Level 4 automation, defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers, allows vehicles to drive themselves in specific locations and circumstances without human intervention.
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XPeng is confident in reaching this milestone, citing the rapid rollout of its XNGP (Navigation Guided Pilot) driver-assistance technology, which currently operates in nearly 250 cities in China. The company also attributes its progress to the implementation of its large language model training, known as XBrain, which enables the autonomous driving system to learn in a “human-like” manner, recognizing features such as special lanes, turning zones, and road sign text.
Founder and CEO He Xiaopeng expressed the company’s vision, stating, “Our aim is to cover every small road, in every town and every village, and also in urban areas. Our intelligent driving, independent of HD Maps, will be consistent with our autonomous driving experience on a highway or even surpass it.”
See also: Xpeng Rolls Out XNGP Nationwide, Offering Advanced Driver Assistance System on All Chinese Roads
XPeng aims to replicate the Waymo robotaxi experience in San Francisco by 2025, achieving fully autonomous functionality in local neighborhoods, at toll gates, and during parking, with a driver monitoring the car.
However, He acknowledged the need for hardware and regulatory advancements to implement these plans effectively. He emphasized the importance of regulatory compliance, especially as XPeng eyes international expansion, stating that the company is working with regulatory bodies in several overseas markets to ensure compliance with local laws.
See also: Xpeng’s Navigation Guided Pilot (XNGP) Achieves Milestone, Extending Coverage to 243 Cities
XPeng also announced the availability of its new Tianji operating system, which integrates AI technology into both smart cockpit and smart driving functionality, providing personalized driving and parking experiences through AI assistants Xiao P and AI Chauffeur.
Additionally, XPeng unveiled details about its new AI-powered EV sub-brand, MONA (Made of New AI), set to launch in June. He highlighted MONA’s focus on design and affordability, aiming to bring autonomous driving into the price range of cars below RMB 200,000 ($28,130).
