Xpeng has launched internal testing of its robotaxi service, with chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng becoming the first user. The milestone marks a significant step toward commercializing Xpeng’s autonomous mobility platform, built on its flagship GX SUV.
Xpeng Robotaxi Closed Beta Launches in Guangzhou
Xpeng has completed the first order of its robotaxi closed beta, with CEO He Xiaopeng taking the inaugural ride. He described the experience as seamless, noting that he was able to hail the robotaxi from his office and complete the journey without issue.
This marks the first time Xpeng has connected the entire process of ordering a ride online and completing it offline. The company plans to soon allow internal users, Guangzhou residents, and visitors to hail an Xpeng robotaxi.
Rapid Development Timeline and Technical Highlights
Xpeng officially announced its robotaxi project in November 2025, began regular road testing in January 2026, and rolled the production vehicle off the line in May. The company achieved a closed beta launch in just eight months, surpassing its initial expectations.
The robotaxi is built on Xpeng’s GX SUV and is engineered to L4 autonomous driving standards. It features four in-house-developed Turing AI chips, delivering a combined 3,000 TOPS of computing power—described by Xpeng as the highest onboard computing power in any mass-produced vehicle globally.
Unlike many competitors, Xpeng’s robotaxi uses a pure-vision autonomous driving solution, forgoing LiDAR and high-definition maps. Its decision-making is powered by the company’s second-generation Vision-Language-Action (VLA 2.0) large model.
Passenger Experience and Ecosystem Integration
Inside, the robotaxi is equipped with privacy glass, zero-gravity seats, and a rear entertainment screen. Passengers can access trip information, stream shows, listen to music, and adjust the air conditioning via a voice assistant.
Xpeng has opened the software development kit (SDK) for its robotaxi, with Amap as its first global ecosystem partner. The robotaxi shares its VLA 2.0 large model foundation with Xpeng’s humanoid robot, Iron.
Commercialization Plans and Regulatory Progress
Xpeng obtained a Guangzhou intelligent connected vehicle road testing permit in January 2026 and established a dedicated robotaxi business unit in March. The company plans to launch pilot robotaxi operations in the second half of 2026 to validate technical feasibility and user acceptance.
Xpeng aims to achieve fully autonomous daily operations without on-site safety operators by early 2027.
Competitor Comparison
Xpeng’s robotaxi enters a competitive field alongside the Waymo Robotaxi, which is priced at $100,000 (~AUD 144,226), the Baidu Apollo Robotaxi at $34,400 (~AUD 49,614), and the Pony.ai Robotaxi at $42,100 (~AUD 60,719). While Waymo leads globally in technology and cost, Baidu and Pony.ai are established players in China. Xpeng’s approach focuses on in-house AI chip development and a pure-vision solution, potentially lowering production costs compared to rivals.
Historical Context and Market Growth
Xpeng has seen rapid growth, delivering 197,189 vehicles in 2024 and achieving a 330.8% year-over-year increase in Q1 2025. The company expects to ship over 40,000 vehicles overseas in 2025, doubling its 2024 export volume.
The GX SUV, which serves as the basis for the robotaxi, officially went on sale in China in May 2026 with a limited-time starting price of $39,665 (~AUD 57,208).
Why this matters
Xpeng’s entry into the robotaxi market demonstrates the rapid pace of autonomous vehicle development in China. The company’s use of in-house AI chips and a pure-vision approach could influence future industry standards and cost structures.
With pilot operations set to begin in the second half of 2026 and ambitions for fully autonomous service by 2027, Xpeng is positioning itself as a major player in both the domestic and global autonomous mobility sectors.
What this means for buyers
For consumers in Guangzhou, Xpeng’s robotaxi service will soon be available for trial, offering a glimpse into the future of autonomous ride-hailing. Buyers interested in the GX SUV can expect advanced AI features and a platform that is at the forefront of autonomous technology.
Potential customers should watch for updates on regional availability and pilot program access, as well as compare Xpeng’s offerings with established robotaxi services from Waymo, Baidu, and Pony.ai.
Related coverage from The Electric Viking
For more on robotics and AI in the automotive sector, see BYD Confirms Development of Humanoid Robots, Highlights Automotive AI Expertise, Xpeng Launches Non-Compete Investigation as AI and Robotics R&D Expands, and Xpeng Delivers 32,158 Vehicles in May as GX SUV Launch Drives New Orders.
Key Specs
- Robotaxi Platform: Xpeng GX SUV
- Autonomous Driving Level: L4
- AI Chips: 4 in-house-developed Turing AI chips
- Onboard Computing Power: 3,000 TOPS
- Sensor Suite: Pure-vision (no LiDAR, no HD maps)
- Software Model: VLA 2.0 large model
- Starting Price (GX SUV): $39,665 (~AUD 57,208)
- Pilot Operations Start: Second half of 2026
Source
Images sourced from: cnevpost.com, electrek.co, businessinsider.com
