Tech

XPeng unveils new EV platform designed to cut production costs

China electric vehicle manufacturer XPeng announced on Sunday its new platform architecture for building vehicles that will lay the groundwork for future production models and reduce development and production costs.

Intelligent Electrical Platform Architecture (SEPA) 2.0 is expected to shorten R&D cycles for future models by 20%, as well as cut adaptation costs for advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and intelligent infotainment system are 70% and 85% respectively.

The modular, interchangeable vehicle platform will support a wide range of vehicles, such as XPeng’s upcoming G6 coupe SUV, which will debut on Tuesday at Auto Shanghai 2023, said Brian Gu, president of the company. Xpeng, told reporters on Sunday.

The G6 will be the first vehicle built on the SEPA 2.0 platform. Gu said about 80% of the architectural components in each upcoming model will be compatible with future models, which will help XPeng add to its product line without incurring too much cost.

The cost-focused event takes place when XPeng’s competitors have emerged price war in China. Tesla started a price war in October when the automaker slashed prices on models made at its gigafactory in Shanghai. In January, Tesla added fuel to the fire with another price cut that made its domestically made cars about 14% cheaper than they were in 2022.

Rivals, including XPeng, Nio, Volkswagen AG, Mercedes-Benz Group and Ford Motor all followed suit, which wreaked havoc on the already struggling auto market in China.

Last month, the China Automobile Manufacturers Association called for an end to the price war, saying it was not a long-term solution to low demand and too much inventory.

“The focus on being able to offer attractive products at affordable prices has become even more important,” said Gu.

SUV G9, was launched in China last September, with prices starting at 309,900 RMB (~$45,000). XPeng’s P5 sedan starts at around RMB 160,000 (~$25,000).

XPeng hasn’t shared pricing for the G6, so it’s unclear what price category the automaker is targeting with SEPA 2.0. XPeng CEO He Xiaopeng said Sunday that an automaker needs to hit 3 million units annually and globally if it wants to survive a decade.

XPeng sold 18,230 electric vehicles in the first quarter of the year, down nearly 50% from the same period last year. The company hopes the new P7i sports sedan, the new G6 and the upcoming 7-seater utility vehicle will help boost sales this year.

SEPA 2.0

XPeng’s SEPA 2.0 architecture includes integrated front and rear aluminum die-casting technologies, a method Tesla has used since 2020 to fabricate individual parts of the chassis.

XPeng says the platform will be compatible with multiple vehicle platforms with wheelbases from 1,800 mm to 3,200 mm and can support a wide range of vehicles, from hatchbacks and sedans to MPVs and pickup trucks.

This architecture also incorporates “Cell Integrated Body” technology, which integrates the battery pack into the body of the vehicle to provide more cabin space, increases battery safety and improves driving performance with an improved center of gravity.

The smart manufacturing system will be built by 2025, the company said, adding that all manufacturing facilities will integrate SEPA 2.0 through technology upgrades.

“We envision that this evolutionary intelligent architecture will lead the development of smart EV technology over the next three years,” said Xiaopeng. “It will make rapid advancements in technology for our customers standard, with faster software upgrades, incredible cost savings, and enhanced product experiences.”

XPeng also said the new architectural platform can help make the infotainment service, Xmart OS, available to every owner. Xmart OS is XPeng’s multi-sensor hardware and software smart cockpit, and a key feature is the voice assistant. The automaker said Sunday that SEPA 2.0 shortens the voice software R&D cycle by 50% and reduces the cost of voice assistant services by 50%.

“Ultimately, SEPA2.0 will empower us architecturally in our relentless quest to redefine the mobile experience with compelling value, unparalleled comfort, and information,” said Xiaopeng. rich entertainment”.



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