Chinese automaker XPeng has extended the reach of its cutting-edge driver assistance technology, the XNGP package, to an additional 20 cities in China. This expansion follows the initial limited release in select locations and includes cities such as Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou, and Ningbo, complementing the early adopters like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Foshan, and XPeng’s hometown.
Available through over-the-air updates, the XNGP package can be utilized on specific versions of XPeng’s electric vehicles, including the G9 SUV, and P5 and P7 sedans. XPeng has positioned XNGP as a significant step toward achieving full autonomous driving capabilities, offering “full-scenario driver assistance, anytime and anywhere.”
The XNGP package integrates Navigated Guided Pilot technology for highways and City Navigated Pilot technology for urban environments, delivering automated features in both settings. In urban scenarios, the technology enables various capabilities such as maintaining a safe distance from vehicles, lane changes, handling merging or splitting roads, navigating intersections, reacting to traffic lights, and providing parking assistance.
Notably, XPeng has moved away from high-precision mapping for its City Navigated Pilot solution, focusing on lighter mapping and an increased reliance on artificial intelligence (AI). This strategic shift allows users to set starting and ending points across the country, forming a memory map after manual driving. The AI Driving function can then be employed for individual routes or specific scenario-based urban navigation-assisted driving.
XPeng plans to further extend XNGP coverage to 50 cities across China by the end of the year, according to its disclosed timetable. Beyond China, XPeng has already introduced its electric vehicles in the Netherlands and Norway, with plans to expand to Germany, France, and the U.K. in the coming year. The availability of driver-assistance technology in Europe is anticipated by the end of 2024, subject to regulatory approval.
