One day after reports stated XPeng’s next BEV will abandon LiDAR for pure vision cameras, the Chinese automaker has confirmed its official model name and shared first images. Here’s what we know about the BEV, called the P7+, which XPeng’s founder says is on a “mission to open a new era of intelligent driving.”
XPeng Motors ($XPEV) was one of the first automakers to integrate LiDAR sensors into mass-market BEVs, and the technology has helped propel the Chinese automaker to status as one of the leaders in ADAS and self-driving technology.
Its XNGP software has emerged as a true competitor to Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) and is arguably better, as it has fully rolled out across all of China already. We’re not here to debate that topic today, however.
Following reports dating back to February 2024, XPeng Motors has officially begun a transition from LiDAR sensors to pure vision cameras… in at least one new vehicle. Yesterday, we shared that the ADAS technology, similar to that of Tesla, is expected to roll out in a new XPeng BEV model later this year.
XPeng Motors has since taken to social media in China and confirmed the transition to pure vision, and it will debut in a new model called the P7+.
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The new P7+ / Source: XPeng Motors/Weibo -
XPeng teases new P7+ EV with pure vision ADAS
Per Weibo posts from XPeng Motors and founder, chairman, and CEO He Xiaopeng earlier today, the Chinese automaker remains very focused on delivering its previously announced MONA M03 sedan but gave the public a little peak at its subsequent model to wet its beaks. Per Xiaopeng:
Recently, I have been fully preparing for the details of XPeng MONA M03, as well as its mass production and delivery. Regarding the new models that everyone has discussed a lot in the past two days, I can only briefly talk about 3 points:
Point 1: P7+
Point 2: 5 meters+
Point 3: Technology+
It’s not much, but it’s a start. In addition to the three initial images of the P7+, previously codenamed “F57,” above, XPeng has confirmed it will be over 5 meters (16.4 feet) long and loaded with advanced technology, including pure vision cameras.
The XPeng P7 sedan, a mainstay in the automaker’s lineup, sits at 4.88 meters long, so the P7+ will be longer. We’re still determining wheelbase measurements, but we’d expect more length to offer more cabin and cargo space.
Xiaopeng also stated that the P7+ has a mission—to “open a new era of intelligent driving.” It will be exciting to see what sort of ADAS and self-driving capabilities XPeng can deliver using pure vision and its previously announced AI-powered operating system.
Per previous reports from China, the P7+ is expected to launch in Q4 2024. Before then however, we can focus on the incoming launch of the MONA M03, which the automaker reminded the public not to forget about on Weibo:
Please pay more attention to MONA first; P7+ see you later!