XPeng’s regulatory filings share plans for facelifts to its G6 and G9 EVs, each abandoning LiDAR
According to regulatory filings in China, EV automaker XPeng Motors is planning upgrades to at least two current models. The filings detail facelifts to the XPeng G6 and G9 SUVs and hint at the automaker’s strategy of moving on from LiDAR sensors in favor of pure vision cameras, similar to Tesla.
XPeng Motors continues to hold rank as one of the leading EV automakers in China, consistently expanding its lineup of available models overseas while growing its presence in new markets like Europe. From time to time, like all OEMs, XPeng delivers facelifts to its existing portfolio.
We already saw it with the automaker’s flagship P7 sedan in early 2023, when it began taking orders for its G9 SUV, which initially debuted in the fall of 2022. After that, XPeng launched a new couple SUV called the G6, starting in China at an MSRP below $30,000.
Today, regulatory filings submitted by XPeng Motors detail plans for a facelift for both the G6 and SUVs, and it appears they will arrive without LiDAR sensors, which were present in the ADAS of previous versions.
XPeng to revamp G6 and G9, but without LiDAR sensors
Chinese media outlet CnEVPost reported on XPeng’s latest regulatory filing. It pointed out that the automaker’s plans hint at continuing to remove LiDAR sensors from its EVs in favor of pure vision cameras.
This past July, we reported that XPeng was seen testing a new camouflaged model in China that appeared to lack any visible LiDAR, hinting that the automaker was exploring alternative ADAS technologies like pure vision.
That BEV would become publicly known as the P7+, which was officially unveiled in October and confirmed that XPeng had begun implementing pure vision cameras in place of LiDAR. In terms of pure vision, XPeng shared more details of its new approach to ADAS and self-driving, calling its technology “Eagle Eye.”
At the time, the automaker relayed that its camera sensors collect visual information more accurately and clearly than traditional cameras and can scope out an area as large as 1.8 football fields. XPeng also stated that its Eagle Eye advanced cameras are limited by city or road conditions and have “door-to-door” and “parking space-to-parking space” intelligent driving capabilities.
According to the previously mentioned regulatory filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the G6 and G9 SUVs could also adopt XPeng’s Eagle Eye technology. Each XPeng model had three pages of filings in MIIT’s latest catalog, detailing three trims of each, but with no mention of LiDAR sensors.
The new G6 is 5mm longer than the current version on sale and appears to be abandoning the dual-motor option in favor of three single-motor variants. The G9’s dimensions remain unchanged, and it will continue to be sold with single—and dual-motor powertrain options.
The top-tier Max trims of both SUVs currently available utilize LiDAR sensors but appear to be the last we will see of that configuration for now, as all six trims of the facelifted XPeng EVs do not seem to feature those sensors.
Alongside Tesla, XPeng remains one of the few EV automakers embracing pure vision cameras in favor of LiDAR. XPeng has yet to confirm the removal of LiDAR on these revamped models, so we will need to wait until their official launch to learn more.
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After several months of waiting, Lucid Air drivers now have access to Android Auto. Lucid (LCID) launched the popular feature through a software update this week.
Lucid Air owners gain access to Android Auto
Lucid promised it was coming, and now it’s finally here. “Android Auto is one of the most requested features,” according to Lucid’s head of software engineering, Dr Jean-Philippe Gauthier.
All Lucid Air vehicles now have access to Android Auto Smart Driving Companion through an OTA software update (Lucid OS 2.7.0).
You can now view Android apps, messages, and other media on Lucid’s massive 34″ Air Glass Cockpit. For those with Android 11 or higher, you can connect to Android Auto wirelessly. Those with Android 9.0 or higher will require a USB cable.
Lucid said it would launch the popular feature late last year, but it’s just beginning to roll out to Air owners this week. The company website says the Gravity SUV “will support both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,” but no further specifics are mentioned.
The 2025 Lucid Air is the “world’s most efficient car” with over 420 miles of EPA-estimated driving range. It also boasts the highest MPGe of any EV at 146 MPGe.
After resuming Gravity deliveries in April, Lucid is quickly ramping up production of its first electric SUV. Lucid expects to produce 20,000 vehicles this year, more than double the 9,000 it made last year.
The Lucid Gravity GT is now available for sale at $94,900, boasting an impressive range of up to 450 miles. Later this year, Lucid will launch the lower-priced Touring trim, starting at $79,900.
After launching its largest discounts to date earlier this month, Lucid is currently offering over $30,000 off select 2025 Air models.
Looking to test one out for yourself? You can use our links below to find current deals on the Lucid Air and Gravity near you.
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Another entry-level electric car is on the way. The Honda Super EV Concept may look a bit funky, but it could be the automaker’s next big hit at an affordable price.
Is Honda launching an affordable EV?
We will get our first full look at the funky new Super EV Concept at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England, next month.
The concept will make its global debut during the event, previewing a “new, small-size” electric vehicle. Despite its compact size, the company promises that it will be fun to drive, with an experience that is “unique to Honda.”
Designed as an A-segment electric SUV, Honda says the affordable EV offers an “uplifting, heart-pounding driving experience.”
The company is already testing prototypes in the UK. Although Honda confirmed plans to launch a production model in the future, it didn’t specify a date or offer any other technical details.
Honda will also use the event to hold the European premiere of the electric 0 Series SUV. Earlier this year, we got a look at the upcoming electric SUV (also a bit funky looking) after a prototype was showcased at a Formula One event in Tokyo.
You can see Honda is using the same purple camouflage used for the 0 Series electric SUV to disguise it. The Super EV Concept looks like a futuristic successor to the Honda e. However, with a new EV platform, batteries, and motor, Honda’s new models look to be a significant upgrade.
The new EV SUV will be one of seven new electric vehicles Honda plans to launch by 2030. A production version of the Super EV concept is expected to join it.
The new Super EV Concept will make its official debut, climbing the 1.16-mile (1.856 km) hill course at Goodwood FOS, which runs from July 10 to July 13.
Will Honda launch its new entry-level EV in the US? According to a Nikkei report earlier this year, Honda plans to launch an affordable EV, priced under $30,000 in the US, following the 0 Series electric SUV and sedan.
We’ll have to wait until closer to launch for confirmation. Check back soon for more info. We’ll keep you updated with the latest.
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Tesla (TSLA) has reportedly told employees that it will pause production at Gigafactory Texas, where it produces Model Y and Cybertruck vehicles, for the second time in as many months.
In late May, Tesla extended a long weekend into a week-long production shutdown at Gigafactory Texas.
The move came amid lower demand and inventory buildups.
We reported earlier today that Tesla has to rent out empty parking lots around the US to use as overflow lots for its extra inventory.
Now, Tesla told employees that it is again shutting down Model Y and Cybertruck production at Gigafactory Texas over the first week of July.
With the Fourth of July being a Friday this year, it was going to be a long weekend, but Tesla again decided to extend the production shutdown from June 30th through the following week, according to employees talking to Business Insider.
Tesla claimed that it will enable the company to perform “maintenance and improvements on production lines.” Employees are being offered paid time off or to come in for training.
As we have previously reported, Tesla has been throttling down production of the Cybertruck in 2025 as sales are currently tracking about half of last year.
That’s despite having launched cheaper versions of the electric truck, gaining access to the federal tax credit for the Cybertruck, and offering bigger discounts and incentives.
Tesla reported a 13% decrease in deliveries in Q1 2025 compared to the same period last year, which the automaker attributed to its Model Y design changeover reducing production.
However, Tesla’s deliveries are currently tracking to be down even more in the second quarter compared to last year, despite Tesla having ramped up production.
Electrek’s Take
What’s going to be the excuse this quarter? As I reported earlier today, Tesla is currently tracking to deliver 355,000-360,000 units in Q2, which would be down 19-20% compared to 2024.
It would be an even steeper decline even with the new Model Y.
It clearly wasn’t the problem.
The automaker had already reduced its production capacity at most factories in 2024, when it ran at about 60% capacity due to lower demand.
Now, Tesla is stopping production of its best-selling Model Y with the new design twice in two months?
This is not looking good.
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