Latest news with #XPeng
Business Insider
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Insider
I test drove XPeng's electric minivan. Its back seats are the business class of the road.
Last year, over 17 million EVs were produced globally, and China made most of them. Our reviewer drove the XPeng X9, a seven-seater EV minivan, around Singapore for three days. The back seats felt like business class, and it made him rethink what a people mover can be. Chinese EVs are coming in every shape and size — including luxury minivans. I spent three days driving the XPeng X9 around Singapore to find out what this futuristic people-mover is all about. I was seriously impressed. XPeng, founded in 2014 and based in Guangzhou, isn't just making EVs — it's also dabbling in flying cars and robotics, making it one of the more ambitious players among a cutthroat global battle for transportation dominance. "Competition in 2025 will be fiercer than ever," XPeng's CEO, He Xiaopeng, wrote in a letter to employees last year. He added that the next two years mark the "elimination round." In 2024, over 17 million EVs were produced globally, a 25% jump from 2023. Over 70% of them were made in China, per the International Energy Agency. As of March 2025, XPeng is selling cars across Asia and Europe, with plans to expand to the Middle East and Africa. The X9 was inspired by the CEO's experience balancing family life with his role as an entrepreneur and a "hands-on father," Alex Tang, the head of XPeng's international sales and service division, told Business Insider in a statement. "He envisioned a vehicle that drives with the agility of an SUV, carries the sleek silhouette of a coupe, and delivers the comfort and practicality of a premium MPV," Tang said. On the outside The seven-seater X9, first released in October 2023, is priced between 359,800 and 419,800 Chinese yuan, or $50,185 and $58,550. It grabbed my attention right away, mostly because of its shape. Instead of following the usual luxury minivan formula, XPeng gave it a bold, trapezoidal twist. It feels like the Tesla Cybertruck of the EV multipurpose vehicle world: sharply styled, tech-packed, and built to rethink what a people mover can be. The proportions and lines are spot-on, topped off with sleek 20-inch alloys. Getting behind the wheel The X9 is big — really big. At 208 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 70 inches tall, it's the longest of any Chinese electric minivan on the market. While it's not the slimmest in width, its overall dimensions still make it one of the most space-efficient in its class. For perspective, it's even longer than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But the real surprise was how easily it maneuvered into tight parking spots, even parallel ones. XPeng has equipped it with an easy-to-use park assist system. It can park itself if you want it to. But if you're like me and prefer doing it yourself, the network of cameras and sensors makes the job stress-free. The system is named XPilot Parking. While it's not a function that's unique to the XPeng, no BYD models — the world's largest electric vehicle maker — offer the same feature. Another neat party trick: rear-wheel steering. It gives the X9 an edge in maneuverability — a feature typically reserved for high-end luxury sedans like the BMW 7 Series. It really shines on winding roads or when a hot hatch is tailgating and you need to stay sharp. XPeng says the X9's WLTP range exceeds 350 miles on a single charge. I couldn't validate it, as I only covered 160 miles during the three-day drive. On the inside The X9 comes fitted with standard air suspension, which you can set to Comfort, Standard, or Sport for your different driving moods. I found that for a luxury minivan like this, Sport seemed unnecessary. The setting stiffens the suspension. While it reduces body roll and improves overall handling, it also transmits more bumps and road imperfections, compromising ride comfort for everyone on board. This suspension allows drivers to raise or lower the car at the touch of a button on the 17.3-inch touchscreen. Lift it when there's flooding, or drop it for easier access when passengers are getting in or out. No other EV minivan offers this feature. The Chinese have really nailed the art of crafting luxurious interiors, and the X9 is no exception. Many Chinese cars, including the X9, now come standard with massive screens, premium materials like leather and high-quality plastics, and even reclining rear seats with massage functions. Features that were once reserved for top-tier German brands are now common in the latest generation of Chinese vehicles. One of the coolest touches of XPeng's minivan: The rear air conditioning vents are seamlessly integrated into the ceiling, like something you'd see in a convention hall. Ride in the back A car like the X9 makes calling "shotgun" pointless — the best seats are in the back. A pair of captain's chairs offers plenty of controls to find your sweet spot, plus a third row that's honestly the most comfortable and well-cushioned I've seen in my 23 years of reviewing cars. Once again, XPeng shows serious attention to detail: The third row, usually where you stash someone you'd rather not hear yapping the whole ride, is not only easy to access but actually comfortable for adults. Since this is a luxury minivan, passengers in the back get pampered with perks like a built-in fridge to keep drinks chilled and a 21.4-inch entertainment screen. And if you've got teenagers, you can hook up an Xbox to keep them entertained instead of listening to them confuse you with their Gen Alpha slang.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla Cooling Off, XPeng Heating Up: Which EV Stock Wins Your Vote?
For years, Tesla TSLA has been the undisputed face of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. From sleek car designs to bold bets on self-driving tech and artificial intelligence, Tesla transformed the auto industry. Today, it still stands tall with a staggering $1 trillion market cap and a relentless push into new frontiers like robotaxis. But, the hype and buzz around Tesla is not the same anymore. Growing competition, CEO Elon Musk's headline-grabbing controversies and mixed reactions to Tesla's long-awaited robotaxi reveal are testing investor patience. Meanwhile, XPeng, Inc. XPEV — a rising EV star from China — is making serious waves. Backed by a surge in China's new energy vehicle (NEV) sales and strong government support, XPeng is delivering rapid growth and rolling out its own AI-driven innovations. And while Tesla grapples with a potentially tougher U.S. regulatory environment, including the looming end of the $7,500 EV tax credit, XPeng's momentum is building fast. Year to date, XPeng stock has surged 55%, trouncing Tesla's performance. The question is whether investors should stay with the EV pioneer or bet on the fast-rising tech-savvy challenger? Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Case for Tesla Tesla might still be the first name that pops into your mind when we talk about EVs, but cracks are starting to show. After years of strong growth, Tesla's deliveries are now heading in the wrong direction. In 2024, the company posted its first-ever annual drop in deliveries. That slump has continued into 2025, with sales falling 13% year over year in the first quarter and another 13.4% in the second quarter of 2025. Europe has been a particularly weak spot, but demand has cooled in other markets too. Tesla faces a real chance of delivering fewer vehicles in 2025 than it did in 2024. That would mark a second straight year of declining sales. Tesla hasn't released a new mass-market model in years. While competitors are flooding the market with fresh EVs at various price points, Tesla's lineup is starting to feel dated. Add in rising competition from both dedicated EV makers and traditional automakers, and Tesla's once-dominant market position is slipping. Musk's public image isn't helping either. His political posts and unpredictable behavior are turning off some potential buyers. Tesla's big swing to reignite excitement—the robotaxi—hasn't landed quite right either. The service launched in a limited test in Austin last month, but reports suggest it's still very much a work in progress. Technical hiccups and the need for human safety drivers make it clear that fully autonomous rides are still some distance away. Tesla's energy and charging businesses are bright spots, but they're not yet big enough to carry the company. For now, Tesla needs to prove it can revive its core auto business before its rivals pull too far ahead. The Case for XPeng XPeng may not have Tesla's size or global brand power, but it's quickly earning its place in the EV spotlight. The Chinese EV maker is scaling fast—and smart. It's not just selling more cars; it's building them around intelligence-driven features that appeal to the tech-savvy buyer. Take the new G7, for example—a sleek crossover that fits right between XPeng's G6 and G9 models. But it's not just about filling a lineup gap. The G7 is the first vehicle powered by XPeng's own Turing AI chip, which boasts triple the computing power of typical smart driving chips. That gives it a real edge in self-driving capability. Launched in China, the G7 undercuts Tesla's Model Y by nearly $9,500, and early sales suggest it's a serious competitor. XPeng's delivery numbers are turning heads too. In 2024, it delivered over 190,000 vehicles, up 34% year over year. That growth has exploded in 2025. In just the first quarter of 2025, XPeng delivered 94,008 vehicles—a massive 331% jump from the same period a year ago. The momentum continues. Last month, XPeng delivered 34,611 smart EVs, marking a whopping 224% increase year over year. With that, XPeng's deliveries surpassed the 30,000 mark for the eighth straight month. In the three months ending June 2025, it sold a record 103,181 cars, more than double its second-quarter 2024 levels. The company is innovating fast. From its AI-powered Hawkeye Vision System to its XOS 5.4 operating system, XPEV is all-in on full-stack smart driving. It's even dabbling in futuristic tech like flying cars and humanoid robots. XPeng may still be the underdog, but it is quickly becoming one of the most exciting EV players to watch. How Do Estimates Compare for XPEV & TSLA? The Zacks Consensus Estimate for XPeng's 2025 top and bottom line suggests year-over-year improvement of 102% and 67%, while the 2026 sales and earnings estimate implies a jump of 39% and 207%, respectively, from 2025 projected levels. See how estimates for XPEV have been revised in the past 90 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Tesla's 2025 top and bottom line suggests year-over-year decline of 3.7% and 27%. However, its 2026 sales and earnings estimate implies growth of 18% and 51%, respectively, from 2025 projected levels. See how estimates for TSLA have been revised in the past 90 days. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Conclusion While Tesla still commands global attention, its momentum is clearly slowing. Falling deliveries, fierce competition, and a shaky start to its robotaxi ambitions have cast a shadow over its growth story. Tesla's downward EPS estimate revisions and its Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) reflect the challenges it is facing. XPeng, in contrast, is gaining speed—delivering record-breaking numbers, showcasing advanced tech, and riding strong tailwinds in China's booming EV market. With positive EPS estimate revisions and solid growth outlook, XPeng is quickly proving it's not just a rising star, but a serious player. XPeng, with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), is clearly the more attractive pick in today's EV landscape. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) : Free Stock Analysis Report XPeng Inc. Sponsored ADR (XPEV) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
Tesla Cooling Off, XPeng Heating Up: Which EV Stock Wins Your Vote?
For years, Tesla TSLA has been the undisputed face of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. From sleek car designs to bold bets on self-driving tech and artificial intelligence, Tesla transformed the auto industry. Today, it still stands tall with a staggering $1 trillion market cap and a relentless push into new frontiers like robotaxis. But, the hype and buzz around Tesla is not the same anymore. Growing competition, CEO Elon Musk's headline-grabbing controversies and mixed reactions to Tesla's long-awaited robotaxi reveal are testing investor patience. Meanwhile, XPeng, Inc. XPEV — a rising EV star from China — is making serious waves. Backed by a surge in China's new energy vehicle (NEV) sales and strong government support, XPeng is delivering rapid growth and rolling out its own AI-driven innovations. And while Tesla grapples with a potentially tougher U.S. regulatory environment, including the looming end of the $7,500 EV tax credit, XPeng's momentum is building fast. Year to date, XPeng stock has surged 55%, trouncing Tesla's performance. The question is whether investors should stay with the EV pioneer or bet on the fast-rising tech-savvy challenger? The Case for Tesla Tesla might still be the first name that pops into your mind when we talk about EVs, but cracks are starting to show. After years of strong growth, Tesla's deliveries are now heading in the wrong direction. In 2024, the company posted its first-ever annual drop in deliveries. That slump has continued into 2025, with sales falling 13% year over year in the first quarter and another 13.4% in the second quarter of 2025. Europe has been a particularly weak spot, but demand has cooled in other markets too. Tesla faces a real chance of delivering fewer vehicles in 2025 than it did in 2024. That would mark a second straight year of declining sales. Tesla hasn't released a new mass-market model in years. While competitors are flooding the market with fresh EVs at various price points, Tesla's lineup is starting to feel dated. Add in rising competition from both dedicated EV makers and traditional automakers, and Tesla's once-dominant market position is slipping. Musk's public image isn't helping either. His political posts and unpredictable behavior are turning off some potential buyers. Tesla's big swing to reignite excitement—the robotaxi—hasn't landed quite right either. The service launched in a limited test in Austin last month, but reports suggest it's still very much a work in progress. Technical hiccups and the need for human safety drivers make it clear that fully autonomous rides are still some distance away. Tesla's energy and charging businesses are bright spots, but they're not yet big enough to carry the company. For now, Tesla needs to prove it can revive its core auto business before its rivals pull too far ahead. The Case for XPeng XPeng may not have Tesla's size or global brand power, but it's quickly earning its place in the EV spotlight. The Chinese EV maker is scaling fast—and smart. It's not just selling more cars; it's building them around intelligence-driven features that appeal to the tech-savvy buyer. Take the new G7, for example—a sleek crossover that fits right between XPeng's G6 and G9 models. But it's not just about filling a lineup gap. The G7 is the first vehicle powered by XPeng's own Turing AI chip, which boasts triple the computing power of typical smart driving chips. That gives it a real edge in self-driving capability. Launched in China, the G7 undercuts Tesla's Model Y by nearly $9,500, and early sales suggest it's a serious competitor. XPeng's delivery numbers are turning heads too. In 2024, it delivered over 190,000 vehicles, up 34% year over year. That growth has exploded in 2025. In just the first quarter of 2025, XPeng delivered 94,008 vehicles—a massive 331% jump from the same period a year ago. The momentum continues. Last month, XPeng delivered 34,611 smart EVs, marking a whopping 224% increase year over year. With that, XPeng's deliveries surpassed the 30,000 mark for the eighth straight month. In the three months ending June 2025, it sold a record 103,181 cars, more than double its second-quarter 2024 levels. The company is innovating fast. From its AI-powered Hawkeye Vision System to its XOS 5.4 operating system, XPEV is all-in on full-stack smart driving. It's even dabbling in futuristic tech like flying cars and humanoid robots. XPeng may still be the underdog, but it is quickly becoming one of the most exciting EV players to watch. How Do Estimates Compare for XPEV & TSLA? The Zacks Consensus Estimate for XPeng's 2025 top and bottom line suggests year-over-year improvement of 102% and 67%, while the 2026 sales and earnings estimate implies a jump of 39% and 207%, respectively, from 2025 projected levels. See how estimates for XPEV have been revised in the past 90 days. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Tesla's 2025 top and bottom line suggests year-over-year decline of 3.7% and 27%. However, its 2026 sales and earnings estimate implies growth of 18% and 51%, respectively, from 2025 projected levels. See how estimates for TSLA have been revised in the past 90 days. Conclusion While Tesla still commands global attention, its momentum is clearly slowing. Falling deliveries, fierce competition, and a shaky start to its robotaxi ambitions have cast a shadow over its growth story. Tesla's downward EPS estimate revisions and its Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) reflect the challenges it is facing. XPeng, in contrast, is gaining speed—delivering record-breaking numbers, showcasing advanced tech, and riding strong tailwinds in China's booming EV market. With positive EPS estimate revisions and solid growth outlook, XPeng is quickly proving it's not just a rising star, but a serious player. XPeng, with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), is clearly the more attractive pick in today's EV landscape. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here One Big Gain, Every Trading Day To help you take full advantage of this market, you're invited to access every stock recommendation in all our private portfolios - for just $1. Zacks private portfolio services that closed 256 double and triple-digit winners in 2024 alone. That's about one big gain every day the market was open. Of course, not all our picks are winners, but members have seen recent gains as high as +627% +1,340%, and +1,708%. Imagine how much you could profit with a steady stream of real-time picks from all our services that cover a number of strategies to suit a variety of investing and trading styles. See Stocks Now >> Tesla, Inc. (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report XPeng Inc. Sponsored ADR (XPEV): Free Stock Analysis Report
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Citi Maintains a Buy Rating on XPeng (XPEV) Stock
XPeng Inc. (NYSE:XPEV) is one of the Best Performing EV Stocks So Far in 2025. Analyst Jeff Chung of Citi maintained a 'Buy' rating on the company's stock, while retaining the price objective of $29.00. The analyst's rating is backed by several compelling factors demonstrating the company's strategic positioning and growth potential. Furthermore, the recent launch of the G7, which is a mid-size BEV-SUV, demonstrated promising initial demand. A close-up of a luxury electric sports sedan, its sleek body reflecting the energy of progress. The analyst also highlighted that G7's advanced features place it as a technologically advanced option in the broader market. The partnership with NVIDIA, along with the planned adoption of high-performance chips for future models, demonstrates a commitment to innovation. Furthermore, XPeng Inc. (NYSE:XPEV) has officially opened its order books for the fully-renewed Ultra Smart Coupe SUV G6 and Ultra Smart Premium SUV G9 in Europe. In June 2025, the company delivered 34,611 Smart EVs, demonstrating a YoY rise of 224% and marking the 8th consecutive month in which deliveries surpassed 30,000 units. In Q2 2025, XPeng Inc. (NYSE:XPEV) delivered 103,181 Smart EVs, setting a new quarterly record. XPeng Inc. (NYSE:XPEV)'s top management believes that its robust product cycle, global expansion, and accelerated adoption of physical AI technologies will drive strong and sustainable growth. While we acknowledge the potential of XPEV as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 13 Cheap AI Stocks to Buy According to Analysts and 11 Unstoppable Growth Stocks to Invest in Now Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Sign in to access your portfolio
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Business Standard
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Leapfrogging the world: China's rise in EVs, green energy and biotech
In the global race for technological supremacy, the spotlight has long fallen on Silicon Valley or Europe's innovation hubs. But behind the scenes, China is not merely catching up, it is rapidly emerging as a global frontrunner, spearheading transformative progress across electric vehicles (EVs), renewables, and biotechnology. Fuelled by state-backed strategies, relentless innovation, and manufacturing muscle, China's ascent is not just changing industries, it is redefining the world's technological future. EV boom: How China became the world's largest electric vehicle market China now controls the world's largest EV market, selling over 11 million units annually and accounting for more than 50 per cent of global EV sales. Companies like BYD, NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto have aggressively expanded beyond Chinese borders, with BYD overtaking Tesla in total global EV sales in 2025. China's dominance in EV exports is equally notable. In 2024, it shipped out 1.2 million EVs—surpassing Japan to become the world's top automobile exporter. Once mocked for low-cost knock-offs, Chinese EVs now compete on both price and advanced tech in Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America. According to Bloomberg, China's EV sales reached 11 million units in 2024, capturing nearly two-thirds of the global market, compared to 17 per cent in Europe and just 7 per cent in the US. In Q1 2025 alone, Chinese EV sales rose 55 per cent to 1.64 million units, outpacing Europe's 28 per cent (574,000) and the US' 18 per cent (301,000). What explains China's electric vehicle dominance? At the heart of China's EV power lies control over battery technology. With 70 per cent of global EV production and two domestic giants, CATL and BYD, supplying 55 per cent of the world's batteries, China enjoys unmatched battery pricing and efficiency. Fierce local competition has driven breakthrough innovations, bringing battery costs below $100/kWh for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, reaching price parity with combustion engines, a milestone still out of reach in the West. China's vertically integrated supply chain accounts for 75 per cent of lithium-ion battery production, and dominates cobalt/lithium refining and cathode/anode materials. In contrast, European and US supply chains remain fragmented and face 20 per cent higher production costs. Technologies like battery-swap stations and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration are giving Chinese EVs a technological and cost advantage. How state strategy fuels China's EV ecosystem Under the 'Made in China 2025' plan, China has built a powerful EV ecosystem through massive subsidies, sustained infrastructure investment, and long-term supply chain planning. It already boasts 20 times more public EV chargers than the US, and four times as many as Europe. China's renewable energy dominance breaks all global records In the renewables sector, China's lead is even more formidable. As of mid-2025, its solar capacity stood at 887 GW, with wind at 521 GW. The country invested $625 billion in clean energy in 2024 alone, according to Reuters. By comparison, the US has just 239 GW of solar, and the EU a combined 540 GW of wind and solar. In 2024, China added 445 GW of new renewables, 60 per cent of global additions. It builds three out of every four solar and wind installations worldwide and is on track to exceed its 2030 emissions targets ahead of schedule. China also manufactures over 80 per cent of the world's solar panels and dominates every stage of the solar and battery supply chain. Economies of scale, vertical integration, and heavy subsidies let Chinese producers outprice global competitors. Chinese biotech: From copycats to cutting-edge drug developers China's biotechnology sector is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Once known for generics, Chinese drugmakers are now innovating at scale. Bloomberg's analysis of Norstella data shows that China had over 1,250 novel drug candidates in 2024, closing in on the US (1,440) and far ahead of the EU. Back in 2015, that number was just 160. Chinese biopharma companies, once burdened with quality concerns, are increasingly earning approvals and partnerships with global regulators and pharma majors. By 2024, Chinese firms accounted for 31 per cent of all innovative drug pipelines globally, second only to the US. Policy reforms and returning scientists reshape Chinese biotech China's shift began in 2015 with sweeping reforms to its drug regulatory framework, accelerating approvals, enforcing global data standards, and encouraging repatriation of overseas-trained researchers. Coupled with the Made in China 2025 strategy, these efforts triggered a biotech investment boom. By 2024, China had overtaken the EU in expedited approvals from the FDA and EMA. Faster drug approvals and global impact Take Legend Biotech's cell therapy for blood cancer—marketed by Johnson & Johnson. It not only outpaced a US-made rival but also secured expedited review in multiple markets. Although Chinese firms still focus on refining existing therapies more than inventing new ones, their innovation pipeline is expanding. Of the world's top 50 companies with the most innovative drug candidates between 2020 and 2024, 20 are Chinese—up from just five in the prior five-year period. Jiangsu Hengrui, once a generic drugmaker, now leads globally in the number of new drug candidates added. Global pharma giants race to license Chinese innovations Western pharma majors are rushing to partner with Chinese firms: > Akeso Inc. licensed its cancer drug to Summit Therapeutics for $500 million upfront, seen as China biotech's 'DeepSeek moment' > Pfizer signed a record $1.2 billion upfront deal in May 2025 with 3SBio Inc. for a cancer therapy > Merck, AstraZeneca, and Roche have all snapped up Chinese drug assets According to DealForma, such high-value licensing deals are growing in both number and value. China's clinical trial edge: speed and scale A key advantage for Chinese biotech is speed. Thanks to vast patient pools and centralised hospitals, trial recruitment in China happens twice as fast as in the US. Lower costs allow companies to run multiple clinical trials simultaneously, boosting success odds. Since 2021, China has led the world in new clinical trial starts, ahead of the US, per GlobalData. However, challenges remain. The FDA still requires multinational data, limiting the use of China-only trials for US approvals. US reacts to China's biotech rise with new policy anxieties As US-China tensions rise, China's biotech progress has drawn concern in Washington. A congressional report warned that the US may cede leadership in another strategic domain. Policymakers are calling for tighter export restrictions and faster domestic drug approval processes. The China model: What makes its rise hard to replicate Across EVs, renewables, and biotechnology, China's strategy follows a clear pattern: centralised industrial planning, global supply chain dominance, technology at scale, and relentless execution speed. For the West, the question is no longer if China can lead in innovation, but how soon, and how far.
