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.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Subaru is teasing a new electric hot hatch that will spearhead a new generation of STI. Is it the WRX STI we’ve been waiting for?
Subaru teases new electric hot hatch
In March 2022, fans were disappointed after Subaru announced plans to end production of the gas-powered WRX STI.
Subaru said the move was due to the shift toward electrification and stricter emissions regulations in places like Europe.
Although the Japanese automaker said at the time it was exploring opportunities for a next-gen WRX STI, including an electrified version, Subaru confirmed it will not be produced on the new WRX platform.
It’s been over three and a half years, but we might finally see the WRX STI return in electric form. After teasing a new electric hot hatch on Wednesday, Subaru said the Performance-E STI concept will spearhead a new generation of vehicles.
The image offers a glimpse of Subaru’s new design with slim, three-line LED lights and a sportier roofline compared to the internal combustion engine (ICE) version that Subaru also previewed.
Subaru is keeping most details secret for now, but said the new electric hot hatch offers “a design that evokes the brand’s heritage while providing a driver-friendly layout and a comfortable, spacious interior.” It will be equipped with new tech, offering “intuitive, exhilarating driving experiences,” the company said.
Subaru will unveil the new STI concepts at the Japan Mobility Show later this month. Atsushi Osaki, Subaru’s president, will deliver a press conference at the Subaru booth on October 29 at 12:30 PM (JST).
The booth will feature the two new STI models, alongside the Trailseeker, Subaru’s second global EV. It will also showcase more rugged Forester Wilderness and Outback Wilderness prototypes, as well as a 1982 Subaru GL Family Huckster.
Subaru is joining Hyundai, Volkswagen, Kia, and a few other automakers planning to introduce new electric hot hatches.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Tesla is finally running TV/streaming ads, but they are not to sell electric cars. They are to promote a vote for Tesla shareholders to approve Elon Musk’s next compensation package worth up to $1 trillion.
As a company, under Elon Musk’s leadership, Tesla has famously been against advertising. The CEO is even on the record saying that he “hates advertising” and that “other companies spend money on advertising and manipulating public opinion, Tesla focuses on the product.”
However, that was before he acquired Twitter, now X, which relies heavily on advertising.
After that, he started to push Tesla to do some advertising, but the company quickly stopped or greatly reduced its advertising efforts.
Last month, we reported that Tesla’s advertising effort picked back up with ads to encourage Tesla shareholders to vote for Musk’s new unprecedented CEO compensation package worth up to $1 trillion.
The renewed advertising effort was limited to Google and social media ads or sponsored posts, which was also the case in Tesla’s previously mentioned advertising efforts.
Now, Tesla is even running TV-like ads on streaming services. Paramount+ watchers were surprised to see this ad running on the streaming service this week:
This is one of the very first TV-style video ads that Tesla is paying to air, but it is not to sell EVs.
While the automaker is struggling to sell its existing vehicles, the ad exclusively features future products that are not yet available for sale, and it serves only to ask shareholders to vote in accordance with the board’s recommendation at the upcoming shareholders’ meeting.
Electrek’s Take
It’s funny because I was talking to a friend of mine who came back on a long rural road trip with his Cybertruck last week.
He was saying that he was surprised how many people in rural areas not only didn’t know about the Cybertruck, but they didn’t even know much about Tesla. Yet, they were curious about it and electric vehicles in general.
We were discussing how these people are not as active on social media, and that Tesla would greatly benefit from advertising its vehicles in more traditional channels, such as TV/streaming ads, with clear messaging that relates to them, such as the cost of ownership and utility.
I joked that Tesla will do TV ads about Elon’s compensation plan before they do about their EVs. It literally took less than a week for Tesla to prove me right.
There is just no reasonable justification for this. It’s as simple as Elon is bigger than Tesla, a company of 100,000+ people.
You can’t make a viable argument against the fact that this would be money better spent advertising Tesla’s available cars when the company is currently operating its production lines at 60% capacity and the compensation package would be better spent on tens of thousands of full-time employees whose contribution to Tesla is much greater than Elon’s at this point.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
Toyota’s smallest electric vehicle might actually hit the road. Thanks to new funding from the UK government, Toyota is one step closer to turning this pint-sized EV with a solar roof into a reality.
The Toyota FT-Me is a micro EV with a solar roof
It may be only 2.5 meters (98″) long, but Toyota believes the tiny electric car could be an affordable way to zip around the city.
The FT-Me is “a ground breaking concept” that blends premium design with affordability, Toyota said after unveiling it in March.
After securing a £15 million ($20 million) investment from the UK government’s DRIVE35 program, Toyota is moving closer to actually launching the pint-sized EV.
The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK, which manages the funding, announced that the £30.3 million ($40,500) project includes a £15 million grant from the Department for Business and Trade. Toyota is expected to fund the other roughly £15 million.
Toyota is working with several partners, including urban delivery specialist ELM Mobility and the University of Derby, to develop a new lightweight battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the L6e category.
Meanwhile, Savcor will design and develop the solar roof, which Toyota claims can extend a vehicle’s range by 20%, or about 20 to 30 km per day.
The pint-sized EV will be manufactured at Toyota Manufacturing UK’s Burnaston site, where it currently builds the Corolla.
Although it’s about the size of a golf cart, Toyota promises the micro EV fits two passengers comfortably. The company also claims the FT-Me’s propulsion system uses 3X less energy per km than current high-capacity electric vehicles.
Inspired by a jet helmet, Toyota said the vehicle’s compact design makes it perfect for getting around the city. It only takes up about half a parking spot.
Toyota’s pint-sized EV could arrive as a potential rival to the Citroen Ami. The Ami starts at £7,695 ($10,000) OTR, offering a WLTP range of up to 46 miles.
Would you buy Toyota’s micro EV for about $10,000? It could be a fun (and efficient) way to zip around town. It’s basically a futuristic electric golf cart with a solar roof. Unfortunately, it likely will never make it to the US with America’s growing love for big trucks and SUVs.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports2 years agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports3 years agoButton battles heat exhaustion in NASCAR debut
-
Sports3 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment1 year agoHere are the best electric bikes you can buy at every price level in October 2024