Cover XPeng AeroHT’s land and air EV system, the Land Aircraft Carrier (Photo: XPeng)
XPeng AeroHT’s land and air EV system, the Land Aircraft Carrier (Photo: XPeng)
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From EVs and eVTOL aircraft to humanoid robots, XPeng is one of China’s most innovative mobility companies—reshaping how we move on the ground and in the air
Outside of China and a handful of European markets, XPeng may not yet enjoy the same name recognition as BYD. But the Guangzhou-based company—founded in 2014 as Guangzhou Xiaopeng Motors Technology—is quickly emerging as one of the most innovative players in electric mobility.
Since launching its first vehicle, the G3 electric SUV, in 2018, XPeng has rapidly expanded its lineup to include compact and full-size sedans, SUVs, and even an MPV. Its standout models include the G6 electric SUV and the P7+ mid-size sedan, both of which have been positioned as formidable alternatives to Tesla's Model Y and Model S, respectively.
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XPeng, the innovative EV maker
Headquartered in Guangzhou, XPeng handles design, R&D, and manufacturing in-house. It also operates four additional R&D hubs in Yangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing. Internationally, XPeng has a presence in San Diego and Silicon Valley—strategic outposts in the global epicentre of tech innovation—as well as offices in Amsterdam, Munich, and Belgium.
Despite its relatively short history, XPeng has built a reputation for producing high-performance electric vehicles with cutting-edge features. The P7+ sedan boasts a 700 km range, XPilot driver assistance, and the XSmart operating system. Meanwhile, the G6 SUV was designed by JuanMa Lopez, known for his work at Ferrari, Audi, and Lamborghini. Its futuristic interior and superior build quality have drawn comparisons—and often favourable ones—with Tesla’s offerings.
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Above The XPeng P7+ is touted as a worthy competitor to Tesla's Model S (Photo: XPeng)
The XPeng P7+ is touted as a worthy competitor to Tesla's Model S (Photo: XPeng)
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Today, XPeng vehicles are sold across Europe, including in Germany, Italy, the UK, France, Denmark, Sweden, and Spain. In the first quarter of this year, the company sold over 94,000 vehicles globally.
But XPeng isn’t just focused on the road—it’s also charting a course for the skies.
AeroHT, XPeng’s move from cars to flying vehicles
Above XPeng AeroHT’s modular EV, the Land Aircraft Carrier (Photo: XPeng)
Above XPeng AeroHT's Voyager X2 is an autonomous two-seater eVTOL with a closed canopy design (Photo: XPeng)
XPeng AeroHT’s modular EV, the Land Aircraft Carrier (Photo: XPeng)
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In 2020 XPeng established XPeng AeroHT, a wholly owned subsidiary focused on electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Its early models include the single-seat T1 and Voyager X1, as well as the more advanced, autonomous Voyager X2—an enclosed two-seater made from aerospace-grade materials. The X2 features a carbon fibre composite airframe and an aviation-grade aluminium structure, capable of reaching 130 km/h with a flight time of up to 35 minutes.
Its latest innovation, the Land Aircraft Carrier, is a two-in-one modular system. The “mothership” is a six-wheeled, extended-range EV with 6x6 all-wheel drive and off-road capability. Docked within is a six-rotor eVTOL aircraft with folding rotors and landing gear, enabling it to be stored compactly and charged onboard. The aircraft supports both manual and autonomous flight modes, and XPeng has targeted 2026 for mass production.
XPeng Robotics: AI-powered humanoids and robotic pets
Above XPeng's Iron industrial robot can perform various human-like tasks and movement (Photo: XPeng)
XPeng's Iron industrial robot can perform various human-like tasks and movement (Photo: XPeng)
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XPeng’s ambition extends beyond transportation. Founded in 2016, XPeng Robotics has developed a humanoid robot called Iron, standing at 172 cm and capable of complex, human-like movements thanks to 60 joints and 200 degrees of flexibility. Powered by XPeng’s proprietary 40-core Turing AI processor, Iron can process AI models with 30 billion parameters—enabling adaptive, autonomous decision-making. These robots are already in use on XPeng’s production lines.
Above The XPeng Unicorn is a robotic pet, companion, and a rideable mount for children (Photo: XPeng)
The XPeng Unicorn is a robotic pet, companion, and a rideable mount for children (Photo: XPeng)
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The company’s next product is Unicorn, a pony-sized robotic companion designed for children. It can be ridden, customised with modular attachments such as a robotic arm or cargo box, and navigates via Lidar and other sensors. Combining play, utility, and autonomous navigation, it hints at XPeng’s growing ambitions in consumer robotics.
With a bold and diverse portfolio that spans electric vehicles, flying cars, and intelligent robots, XPeng has positioned itself as one of China’s most forward-thinking mobility companies. Whether on the road, in the air, or in the factory, XPeng is building the future—one innovation at a time.
