- Xpeng already supplies its advanced technologies to Volkswagen in China.
- Systems from the car manufacturer could also be used by robotaxis.
- The first EV co-developed by VW and Xpeng was launched after just 24 months.
Not satisfied with simply producing a slew of impressive new-energy vehicles in China, Xpeng wants to see foreign automakers use its advanced technologies, serving as an important new revenue stream for the company.
Xpeng already works closely with Volkswagen in China, collaborating on vehicle development and a joint architecture that is already starting to bear fruit. Moving forward, unnamed sources state Xpeng is eager to see other automakers, as well as automobile suppliers and foreign software developments use its electrical and electronic architecture, in addition to its cockpit systems, advanced-driver assistance software, and Turing AI chips.
Read: Xpeng CEO Eyes US Launch, Suggests Company Could Build Plants In America
While Xpeng is one of China’s most noteworthy electric vehicle startups established over the past couple of decades, the company is yet to reach profitability. Revenue from the sales of its vehicles remained relatively steady through the second quarter, while revenue from services and its other business ventures almost doubled, Reuters reports. It’s little wonder, then, why the company is eager to start offering its important new technologies to other firms.
Robots Are Also Getting Xpeng Tech
It’s not just selling technologies that could help Xpeng become profitable. The company recently commenced small-scale production of its IRON humanoid robot this month and will begin mass production before the end of the year. According to Xpeng chief executive He Xiaopeng, class-leading humanoid robots may generate higher margins than the company’s vehicles.
In addition to Xpeng potentially licensing its technologies to car manufacturers and suppliers, it could also license tech to robotaxi and robotics firms.
VW started production of its first vehicle co-developed alongside Xpeng in March of this year. The ID. Unyx 08 looks vastly different than any VW sold in the West and is underpinned by an 800-volt electrical architecture available with 85 kWh and 92 kWh battery packs. Rather than using VW’s own driver-assistance system, it instead uses Xpeng’s Level 2 system.
