Volkswagen’s China-only EVs already combine 800-volt charging with more advanced software and driving assistance, leaving American and European buyers waiting for technology that may not arrive in Western models until 2027.
Volkswagen Group China now has a permit to test Level 3 autonomous driving on public roads in Hefei, and it says testing is already underway. The permit also covers large-scale driving data collection in the city.
It’s the latest step toward VW’s go…
Elon Musk now says Tesla will start delivering Optimus humanoid robots to outside customers around the end of 2027. On Tesla’s Q3 2026 earnings call, he said the hands, the robot’s durability and its AI all still need work before then.
Those are the…
XPeng is trying to turn its self-driving and smart-cockpit systems into a licensing business, courting automakers, suppliers, and software firms well beyond its existing Volkswagen deal, according to a Reuters report.
It’s the exact playbook Tesla h…
XPeng has switched on what it calls the world’s first automated production line for advanced humanoid robots, and its IRON robot walked off that line under its own power. The Chinese automaker says the line runs with more than 80% of its core processes…
Technical progress has encouraged a new batch of companies to jump in on the promise of profits from humanoid robots. And they’re all Chinese automakers.
XPeng’s robotics business has raised over $900 million at a post-money valuation of more than $6.3 billion, the Chinese EV maker announced today. XPeng calls it the largest single-round private financing in the history of China’s embodied AI industry.
…
Xpeng launched its new L03 electric SUV-coupe in Europe this week with a starting price of €34,990 — undercutting the Tesla Model Y by roughly €3,400 in Germany and by around $10,000 in Norway.
The pricing puts a well-equipped 4.65-meter electric SUV d…
XPeng used the global launch of its new L03 in Munich to announce that the electric SUV coupe is the first vehicle from any Asia-Pacific automaker to ship with Google Maps’ Auto SDK built in.
The integration replaces XPeng’s overseas navigation stack w…
Xpeng’s globally focused L03 combines three in-house AI chips, deeply integrated Google Maps, two powertrain choices, and enough towing and cargo capability for proper road trips.