XPeng, primarily known for its electric vehicles (EVs), has now officially stepped into the extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) market. CEO He Xiaopeng revealed that it took five internal attempts to push the EREV project forward before it was finally approved.
On November 6, XPeng launched its first EREV model, the XPeng X9 Super EREV, available in Max and Ultra versions with pre-sale prices of 350,000 yuan and 370,000 yuan, respectively. The key difference between the two lies in the number of chips. The X9 Super EREV is equipped with a 63.3kWh ultra-fast-charging LFP battery and a 60L fuel tank, delivering a combined range of 1,602 km. It supports 5C+800V ultra-fast charging, enabling a 70% charge in just 12 minutes.
The shift toward EREVs was partly driven by challenges in overseas markets. Despite XPeng's global expansion—with 275 stores across nearly 50 countries—He Xiaopeng noted the inconvenience of charging infrastructure during his overseas visits. This realization, along with regional market demands, pushed XPeng to diversify its powertrain options.
Domestically, XPeng has also faced uneven sales performance due to varying regional preferences. The introduction of the X9 Super EREV marks the first step in XPeng’s dual-powertrain strategy. The company has at least five more EREV models in the pipeline, including variants of the P7+ and G6, expected to launch between 2026 and 2027.
In October, XPeng achieved record monthly deliveries, maintaining a steady pace of around 40,000 units. He Xiaopeng expects EREVs to further boost sales. He also disclosed that XPeng’s R&D expenditure this year reached nearly 10 billion yuan, emphasizing the need for strong automotive revenue to sustain its broader ecosystem, including robotics and flying cars.
**EREV vs. Pure EV: A Strategic Balance** He Xiaopeng clarified that XPeng’s EREV push was not reluctant but rather a calculated move to meet diverse customer needs. He believes EREVs will serve as a transitional technology, especially in markets where charging infrastructure remains underdeveloped.
**Battery Supply & Production Challenges** With battery supply constraints looming, XPeng is engaging closely with battery suppliers. While the X9’s pure EV version is already being produced in Indonesia, EREV production overseas has yet to be scheduled due to existing bottlenecks in EV output.
**Market Outlook for EREVs** Despite recent declines in the EREV segment, He Xiaopeng remains optimistic, viewing it as a short-term fluctuation. He predicts a long-term shift from traditional fuel vehicles to EREVs, particularly as software demands in cars increase power consumption.
**Robotics & Flying Cars: Future Growth Drivers** XPeng continues to invest in robotics and flying cars, with plans to commercialize both. He Xiaopeng envisions robotics as a potentially massive market, possibly twice the size of the global auto industry in the next 10–20 years.
**Sales Strategy & Platform Efficiency** XPeng’s "dual-energy" strategy ensures platform commonality between EREV and EV models, optimizing manufacturing and supply chain efficiency. Sales teams will promote both versions without differentiation.
As XPeng expands beyond pure EVs, its ability to execute this multi-pronged strategy—balancing immediate automotive growth with long-term bets on robotics and flying cars—will determine its future success.