Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng announced a bold expansion of its artificial intelligence capabilities, unveiling plans to launch self-driving robotaxis and humanoid robots powered by its self-developed chips. The Guangzhou-based automaker’s announcement underscores its ambition to transform from an EV maker into a comprehensive AI and robotics company, mirroring its U.S. rival Tesla’s technological diversification strategy.

Xpeng’s AI Breakthrough: From Electric Cars to Autonomous Mobility

At its “AI Day” event on Wednesday, Xpeng revealed three upcoming robotaxi models that will rely on its in-house “Turing” AI chips. Each vehicle will feature four chips, combining for an industry-leading 3,000 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) in computing capacity. The system powers the company’s Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model, designed to integrate visual perception, natural language understanding, and real-world decision-making.

This marks a strategic shift for Xpeng. Just 18 months ago, Co-President Brian Gu had said that autonomous taxis were unlikely to become a viable business for at least five years. On Wednesday, his tone was notably different. “The technology is happening faster than we anticipated,” Gu said, citing breakthroughs in AI model efficiency and computing power. “We are near the inflection point for robotaxis.”

The first trials will begin in Guangzhou, followed by rollout to other Chinese cities in 2026. Xpeng also confirmed a partnership with Alibaba’s AutoNavi, integrating robotaxi services into Amaps, China’s leading ride-hailing and navigation platform. Vehicles will display speed and route data externally, improving transparency and passenger trust in autonomous systems.

Introducing the Iron Robot: Xpeng’s Leap Into Humanoid AI

Beyond mobility, Xpeng showcased its second-generation Iron humanoid robot, signaling its entry into AI-powered robotics. The humanoid, built with three Turing AI chips and powered by a solid-state battery, is designed for real-time interaction and autonomy.

CEO He Xiaopeng said the company aims for mass production by late 2026, although he acknowledged that broad commercial adoption remains distant. “Humanoids won’t replace household labor anytime soon,” He said. “Our first applications will be in public spaces — tour guides, retail assistants, and service roles in corporate facilities.”

Customization will be a core feature, allowing buyers to adjust attributes such as body shape, appearance, and function. Despite skepticism over market readiness, He predicted that within the next decade, Xpeng could “sell more robots than cars,” underscoring his vision of a future where intelligent machines coexist alongside autonomous vehicles.

Rivalry With Tesla and China’s AI Ambition

The move puts Xpeng on a direct collision course with Tesla, which launched its robotaxi pilot in Texas earlier this year and continues development of its Optimus humanoid robot. However, Xpeng’s executives argue the company has been investing in similar technologies for years.

“What we are pursuing from a tech perspective has some overlap with Tesla, but in areas like flying cars and humanoid robotics, we began even earlier,” said Gu. Xpeng has already demonstrated a flying car prototype, which could become part of its AI mobility ecosystem.

China’s push for technological self-reliance has accelerated Xpeng’s innovation drive. Its self-developed chips and collaborations with domestic tech giants like Alibaba align closely with Beijing’s broader AI industrial strategy. As the U.S.–China tech rivalry deepens, Xpeng’s progress could strengthen China’s standing in global AI mobility and robotics development.

Outlook: AI Integration Driving the Next Mobility Revolution

Xpeng’s dual strategy — expanding into robotaxis and humanoid robotics — highlights the fusion of mobility and AI that may define the next phase of the global technology race. While regulatory uncertainty, high development costs, and fierce competition remain significant risks, the company’s technological depth and ecosystem partnerships offer long-term promise.

As testing begins in 2026, investors and policymakers will be watching whether Xpeng can convert its AI vision into real-world performance. If successful, its transformation could mark a defining shift for China’s next-generation technology leadership, where electric vehicles, AI chips, and humanoid robots converge into one intelligent, connected future.