Xpeng (XPEV) Stock: Alibaba Partnership Brings Robotaxis to Chinese Markets

TLDR

• Xpeng announces three robotaxi models launching in 2026 using proprietary Turing AI chips with 3,000 TOPS computing power
• Second-generation Iron humanoid robot set for mass production by end of 2026 with initial deployment as tour guides and assistants
• Alibaba partnership brings robotaxi services to AutoNavi and Amaps platforms starting with Guangzhou testing next year
• Co-president Brian Gu reversed previous five-year timeline citing faster-than-anticipated AI technology developments
• CEO He Xiaopeng predicts robot sales will eventually surpass vehicle sales within the next decade

Xpeng made waves at its Wednesday AI Day event in Guangzhou with plans to launch three robotaxi models in 2026. The announcement represents a major pivot for the electric vehicle manufacturer.

Co-president Brian Gu told investors in April 2024 that self-driving taxis wouldn’t become viable for at least five years. That timeline just got cut by more than half.

The technology evolved faster than anticipated, according to Gu. AI developments and computing power improvements gave the company confidence to accelerate plans.

Each robotaxi will pack four Turing AI chips developed in-house by Xpeng. The setup generates 3,000 TOPS of computing power, which the company claims is the world’s highest for in-car systems.

These semiconductors run Xpeng’s second-generation vision-language-action model. The AI processes visual information to enable autonomous driving capabilities.

Alibaba Partnership and Testing Plans

Xpeng secured a partnership with Alibaba to distribute its robotaxi service. The collaboration uses Alibaba’s AutoNavi mapping division and Amaps application, which includes ride-hailing features.

Testing begins in Guangzhou and additional Chinese cities throughout 2026. The deployment puts Xpeng in competition with Pony.ai, WeRide, and Baidu, who already run robotaxis in select Chinese markets.

Xpeng’s strategy divides robotaxis into two segments. Commercial vehicles will serve ride-sharing customers. Personal autonomous cars will cater to families who want private transportation.

The vehicles feature external displays mounted behind sun visors. These screens communicate speed, charging data, and trip details to pedestrians and other drivers.

Gu acknowledged that global expansion will face regulatory hurdles. He maintains robotaxis will eventually operate worldwide but expects the rollout to take time.

Humanoid Robot Production Begins 2026

The company revealed its second-generation Iron humanoid robot at the same event. Mass production starts by late 2026.

CEO He Xiaopeng said household applications remain distant. Low factory labor costs in China make industrial use impractical currently.

Initial deployment targets tour guides, sales assistants, and office building guides. Xpeng’s own facilities will be first adopters.

He made a bold forecast about future sales. He expects robot units to exceed vehicle sales over the next ten years, though specific projections weren’t provided.

The humanoid runs on three Turing chips and uses a solid-state battery. Buyers will customize body shape and hair style options.

Co-president Gu noted Xpeng developed flying cars and robots before Tesla entered those categories. However, he admitted Tesla excels at promoting commercialization plans.

The robotaxis deliver Level 4 autonomous driving through Xpeng’s Canghai AI platform. The company’s G9 SUV received Guangzhou public-road robotaxi testing approval in 2022.

Footage shared on Weibo Tuesday showed the X9-based robotaxi completing tasks and interacting with pedestrians through dual displays. The video demonstrated the vehicle’s communication capabilities.

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