XPeng Tech Day 2023 recap: X9 revealed, plus AI valet driver, two new flying cars, and bipedal robot
XPeng Inc. held its fifth annual Tech Day 2023 event in Guangzhou, China today, showcasing some of its latest milestones across a plethora of EV adjacent technologies. The keynote included full-autonomous driving, an AI-powered driving feature that will learn specific routes and take over for drivers, new software, an EV with an aircraft in the back, and even a new humanoid robot.
As promised, we tuned into XPeng’s 2023 Tech Day event live from China this morning, offering you the following recap before the english broadcast goes live later. We always look forward to XPeng’s 1024 Tech Day, because it’s usually when the Chinese electric mobility company showcases its newest technology, and it’s usually some pretty exciting stuff.
Last year’s event included the debut of 480 kW superchargers, an overhaul of its XPILOT ADAS, and even a robotic pony prototype designed to entertain children. Not to mention an EV/eVTOL crossover that can actually drive, park, engage propellers, and take to the sky.
XPeng ($XPEV) began teasing today’s event on social media last week, relaying that the public could expect updates pertaining to the company’s autonomous driving and ADAS capabilities, as well as advancements in robotics. A new technology teased in the banners for Tech Day 2023 however, was AI.
Following today’s presentation, we did in fact get updates to all of the technologies above and then some. As for the AI – XPeng has introduced a new ADAS feature that includes an AI valet driver to chauffeur passengers around. Lest we not forget the debut of the X9 MPV as well (seen below).
X9 first look, XPeng’s Tesla Bot competitor, and more
Since you’re already looking at the incoming X9, we will start there. XPeng teased a camo’d version of its first multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) back in early September after first announcing its nomenclature back in May.
The X9 arrives as XPeng Motors’ sixth EV model, joining the lineup this quarter behind the G6 crossover which has found early success. The Chinese automaker previously shared that it remained conscious as to how younger consumers might relate to an MPV when it designed the seven seat X9.
XPeng says the X9 will arrives as the world’s only MPV equipped with rear-wheel steering as a standard configuration, sitting atop the automaker’s 800V silicon-carbon (SiC) SEPA 2.0 platform. The MPV also features integrated front and rear aluminum body die-casting technology, and XNGP.
Speaking of XNGP, XPeng shared some encouraging progress during Tech Day 2023. Already available in five Chinese cities, this autonomous ADAS feature is currently undergoing testing to expand its availability for more urban roadways, and doing so quickly.
XPeng says it will roll out XNGP to 20 additional cities via OTA update by the end of November and intends to bolster that number to 50 before year’s end. Here’s a screen shot followed by video footage of XNGP autonomously navigating congested city streets in Southwestern China at night.
Last week, we were trying to surmise what sort of AI would debut during XPeng’s Tech Day 2023, and we now have out answer. Today, the company introduced AI Valet Driver – a new ADAS feature that learns and saves specific routes after the EV owner manually drives it once. The system can then take over and drive that same route for you autonomously going forward – specifically in city driving scenarios.
To finally achieve full-scenario ADAS, XPeng also introduced a slew of new architecture technologies. Per the company release:
XPeng’s prowess lies in its continuous leadership in research and development capabilities. At the Tech Day, the Company also presented its ultimate architecture for full-scenario ADAS – Xbrain, which is supported by XNet2.0, the next-gen perception architecture with spatial understanding, and XPlanner, the neural network-based planning and control system, to enable more human-like learning, thinking and actions.
Additionally, XPeng introduced a new smart cabin operating system called XOS Tianji, which “advances the human-machine co-driving experience,” integrating its large scale XGPT AI model into future EVs to deliver faster and more concise responses to driver and passenger voice commands. The XOS Tianji smart cabin system will debut on the aforementioned X9, which will be showcased further during Auto Guangzhou next month.
XPeng Tech Day 2023 features plenty of AI and a flying car
As promised, there was no shortage of AI news during XPeng’s 2023 Tech Day. In addition to Valet Driver and XGPT, the technology company introduced further innovations in another interesting segment – robotics.
During last year’s event, we saw a four-legged robot pony friend designed for children, followed by a more advanced “unicorn” robot. XPeng has gone bipedal this year, introducing its own humanoid bot called the PX5, developed in-house. This all-terrain, obstacle crossing bot can currently complete straight-leg and large-stride walking and has a dual-finger gripping force of 1 kg. Each arm can carry a maximum load of 3kg and XPeng is touting repeated positioning accuracy of 0.05 mm.
During the Tech Day presentation, XPeng shared images of the PX5 in multiple scenarios, including assisting in factories and welcoming guests at EV showrooms.
Last but not least, XPeng Inc.’s eVTOL affiliate AeroHT continues to make progress in genuine flying cars. Last year was pretty exciting, as we got to see AeroHT’s sixth-generation flying car. Not to be outdone, XPeng introduced two new flying car/eVTOL developments during Tech Day 2023.
The first is a sharper version of last year’s model that took flight – it’s a passenger EV that can deploy a foldable flight system from its roof and take off vertically – a true “flying car.” Check it out below.
In addition to the two-in-one model, XPeng has also introduced a rugged Cybertruck-esque EV with 6×6 all-wheel drive that houses a separate eVTOL aircraft in its rear. An extended range hybrid system can even recharge the aircraft while driving, giving owners the ability to cruise to elevation, park, and unload the EV’s “human-piloted air module.”
Complete with room for two and 270-degree spacial views, XPeng states this new eVTOL offers distributed, all-electric propulsion that meets all single-point safety requirements. You gotta check this one out.
That’s all from us, but there’s even more to unfold if you watch the entire keynote from China earlier today. The english translated broadcast should be live this tomorrow morning and available to view here.
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Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to unveil the electric version of its best-selling SUV, the GLC, later this year. With its official debut just around the corner, Mercedes revealed a few new details, offering an exclusive first look at the new EV.
Mercedes offers an exclusive look at the new electric GLC
Although we got a sneak peek of the electric SUV in March during winter testing in Northern Sweden, Mercedes is giving us a better idea of what to expect.
“We’re not just introducing a new model – we’re electrifying our top seller,” Mercedes-Benz Group CEO, Ola Källenius, said on Thursday.
Mercedes promises the electric GLC “sets new standards” with a sleek new design, advanced tech, and its new MB.OS operating system.
The new GLC EV is an upgrade over the current model, offering significantly more space and improved ride quality. Since the wheelbase is 3.1″ longer than the current gas-powered SUV, the electric version has more legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers.
With all the seats folded, the electric SUV offers 61.4 cubic feet of space. The gas-powered model features up to 56.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Plus, you get an extra 4.5 cu ft of space in the trunk (front trunk).
Källenius said that with Mercedes’ new 800V electric architecture and latest batteries, the electric GLC can regain around 260 km (161 miles) WLTP range in just ten minutes. He added that DC fast charging at over 320 kW is possible.
The GLC 400 4MATIC with EQ Technology will arrive with impressive towing capability of up to 5,291 lbs. In comparison, the Tesla Model Y can only tow up to 3,500 lbs.
Added features, such as ESP trailer stabilization and trailer maneuvering assistant, make it even easier to tow with optimized stability and control.
Källenius also teased the new electric GLC design, calling it the start of a “new era” and “a new face of the brand as the first in a family of upcoming vehicles.”
The inside is just as impressive, providing a holistic experience. A “majestically floating next generation MBUX Hyperscreen” is optional, providing a spatial experience powered by the new MB.OS supercomputer.
Mercedes will unveil the new electric GLC at the 2025 International Motor Show in Munich on September 7, 2025.
Although official range figures will be revealed at the event, according to Car and Driver, which tested a prototype model, Mercedes said it expects the new GLC to provide a WLTP range of just over 400 miles, or slightly more than 300 miles on the EPA scale, from a 94.5 kWh battery.
Prices will also be announced in due time, but given that the current GLC 350e 4MATIC PHEV starts at $59,900 in the US, you can expect the electric model to be priced slightly higher, at around $65,000.
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Tesla (TSLA) announced its 2025 annual shareholders meeting at the very last minute, and it pushed it all the way to November, the latest it has ever held the meeting.
Tesla generally holds its annual meeting in the summer and announces it way ahead of time.
Today, the automaker announced that the meeting will be held on November 6:
The board of directors (the “Board”) of Tesla, Inc. (“Tesla”) has designated November 6, 2025 as the date of Tesla’s 2025 annual meeting of shareholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting”).
This is highly unusual for Tesla. Here are the dates of Tesla’s last 5 annual meetings:
- 2020: September 22, 2020
- 2021: October 7, 2021
- 2022: August 4, 2022
- 2023: May 16, 2023
- 2024: June 13, 2024
At those meetings, shareholders vote on several matters, including the reelection of directors and shareholders’ proposals.
Tesla has not released any yet, but they are expected to be in the upcoming proxy statement, which Tesla should release in the coming weeks.
Why does Tesla need more time?
Electrek’s Take
I think Tesla is working on some proposals that are going to take time to put together and then to sell to shareholders – hence why the meeting is set for November.
There are two suspects: a new CEO compensation package for Musk or a merger/acquisition of xAI.
It could also be both, but I think that would be harder to swallow for some shareholders as both initiatives have a clear aim of giving Musk a bigger stake in Tesla.
I think sane investors should not want that, but Tesla shareholders don’t fit in that category. Much of Tesla’s value is attached to Musk’s lies and ridiculous predictions. The value will have to come down to reality at some point, but they are a bunch of gamblers who are enjoying the ride in the meantime.
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A three-row electric SUV for less than $30,000? Sign me up. NIO (NYSE: NIO) opened pre-orders for the new Onvo L90 on Thursday, starting from 193,900 yuan, or about $27,000.
NIO kicks off Onvo L90 pre-orders in China
NIO claims the Onvo L90 is the lightest full-size three-row SUV in its class, with a curb weight just under 5,000 lbs (2,250 kg). In comparison, the Lucid Gravity has a curb weight of 5,966 lbs (2,712 kg).
The new flagship model is designed as a family-friendly SUV, offering ample interior space and advanced technology.
At 5,145 mm long, 1,998 mm wide, and 1,766 mm tall, the Onvo L90 is slightly bigger than the Lucid Gravity. In China, it will go head-to-head with higher-end electric SUVs like Li Auto’s L9.
However, the L9 is an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) and starts at around 409,800 yuan ($57,000), more than double the price of the Onvo L90.
The low price of 193,900 yuan ($27,000) applies only to those who rent the battery. Nio’s Battery as a Service (BaaS) costs 899 yuan ($125) a month. With the battery included, the Onvo L90 still starts at just 279,900 yuan ($39,000).
Nio’s new electric SUV is offered in six and seven-seat configurations. The interior features a massive 17.2″ floating infotainment screen at the center.
Other interior highlights include a three-zone climate control system, massage, heating, and ventilation for every seat, as well as an additional entertainment screen for rear passengers. And like many new vehicles in China nowadays, it even comes with a built-in refrigerator.
Powered by an 85 kWh battery, the Onvo L90 offers a CLTC range of 605 km (367 miles). It’s also based on NIO’s next-gen 900V platform, unlocking class-leading energy consumption of just 14.5 kWh per 100 km.
Buyers can choose from single and all-wheel-drive powertrains. The AWD version boasts up to 590 hp (440 kW), good for a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) sprint in just 4.7 seconds.
NIO is offering an incentive for early pre-order holders. Those who place an order with a 2,000 yuan deposit will receive a 5,000 yuan credit off the vehicle and an extra 5,000 yuan for optional features and more. Nio plans to begin delivering Onvo L90 to customers, starting on August 1.
The L90 is the second Onvo-branded EV to arrive in China, following the smaller L60, launched last September.
Source: CarNewsChina, NIO Onvo
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