Xpeng is aggressively pushing into international markets. The Chinese electric car start-up has launched its P7 sedan and G9 SUV in Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and Sweden.
Zhang Peng | Light flare | Getty Images
Xpeng, a Chinese electric vehicle startup, launched two of its flagship cars in a number of European countries on Friday as it continues its aggressive international push.
The Guangzhou, southern China-based company said a facelifted version of its P7 sedan and G9 sports utility vehicle (SUV) was available to order in Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and in Sweden.
Brian Gu, president of Xpeng, said in a press release that the launch “represents an important milestone” as the company strengthens its European presence.
Xpeng has sought to challenge Tesla in China, but still lags far behind Elon Musk’s automaker on deliveries. It is now looking to expand internationally after a difficult year in China which was hit by a drop in demand.
This could put Xpeng on a collision course with Tesla in these new markets.
Overall, Xpeng has priced its P7 sedan lower than Tesla in Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands and Sweden, even at a time when the US electric vehicle maker has cut its pricing globally to drive sales.
Xpeng claims its P7 sedan can travel 576 kilometers on a single charge with a starting price in the Netherlands of 49,990 euros ($54,917). Tesla’s Model 3 Long Range, which claims 602 kilometers on a single charge, costs 52,990 in the Netherlands.
However, Xpeng’s G9 SUV is more expensive than Tesla’s Model Y, its closest competitor. Xpeng claims its G9 can travel up to 570 kilometers on a single charge. Tesla’s Model Y Long Range can travel up to 533 kilometers on a single charge. Xpeng has priced its G9 at €57,990 in the Netherlands compared to €53,990 for Tesla’s Model Y Long Range, as an example of price comparison.
Xpeng will face intense competition in Europe, not only from Tesla, but also from other Chinese automakers and European car giants like Volkswagen, which has staked its future on electric vehicles.
Nio, a Chinese rival to Xpeng, started delivering cars to Norway in late 2021.
Xpeng has accelerated its international push over the past year after opening physical stores in Europe last year and launching its mainstream P5 sedan. Xpeng, however, said last year that due to supply chain issues, the start of sales of the P5 had been put on hold.
