Launch of electric vehicles Xpeng will join the ever-growing ranks of Chinese brands in Australia, launching a vehicle that takes on Australia’s best-selling electric vehicle.
The brand will launch its rival Tesla Model Y in the fourth quarter of 2024 G6 SUV, with TrueEV appointed as the brand’s sole importer, dealer and retailer.
The G6 was introduced in 2023, making it one of the brand’s newest vehicles.
It is based on the brand’s Smart Electric Platform Architecture (SEPA) 2.0 and features an 800V electrical architecture.
The G6 is 4753 mm long, 1920 mm wide and 1650 mm high with a wheelbase of 2890 mm – almost identical to the dimensions of the Tesla Model Y.
You can choose between a 66kWh lithium iron phosphate battery with up to 435km WLTP range, capable of DC charging at up to 215kW, or a larger 87.5kWh nickel cobalt manganese -Battery with up to 550 km WLTP range and 280 kW DC charging.
The G6 is offered with either single-motor rear-wheel drive or dual-motor all-wheel drive.
The RWD Standard Range makes 190kW of power and 440Nm of torque, while the RWD Long Range makes 210kW and 440Nm and the AWD Performance makes 350kW and 660Nm.
The latter manages the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds.
The G6 features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing you to power external devices.
In Europe, standard equipment includes a heat pump, a panoramic glass roof, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, two 50W mobile phone chargers, a 960W 18-speaker sound system and a heated steering wheel.
In front of the driver is a slim 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, while there’s a 14.96-inch landscape-mode touchscreen infotainment system that supports over-the-air updates.
XPeng is expanding its global presence and says it aims to “become a leading player in electric vehicles and related technologies.”
“By strategically entering new markets and offering a range of electric vehicle models tailored to local customer needs, we aim to consolidate our brand position as a leading player in smart electric vehicles on a global scale,” said Alex Tang, General Manager International at XPeng Markets .
“XPeng is the highest quality smart electric vehicle we were able to identify after an extensive search. We are confident that XPeng’s product range and design features are ideal for the Australian market,” said TrueEV CEO Jason Clarke.
“This collaboration represents a significant advance in Australia’s smart electric vehicle offering and is supported by the introduction of superior charging technology and capability.”
XPeng was founded in Guangzhou, China in 2014 and began producing its first vehicle – the G3 SUV – in 2018.
In addition to the G6, the larger G9 SUV as well as the P5 and P7 sedans and the X9 people mover are also on offer.
After initially selling vehicles only in China, the company announced plans for the European market in 2020. Since then, it has been gradually expanding its presence on the continent.
In addition to Australia, the company has also announced strategic partnerships with other countries in Asia Pacific, including Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
The company is working with Volkswagen to develop two new electric vehicles for the German brand and also plans to launch a separate brand aimed at younger buyers.
Xpeng will join a flood of Chinese brands in Australia.
In addition to Western brands acquired by Chinese companies, including LDV, Lotus, MG and Volvo, there are established brands in China such as BYD, GWM and Chery.
Chery will launch the Jaecoo brand in the second half of 2024, while Chinese giant Changan has confirmed it will export vehicles under its Deepal brand.
Volvo owner Geely also plans to introduce its Zeekr brand here in the second half of 2024.