Chinese EV manufacturer Xpeng is set to launch its all-electric X9 multipurpose vehicle in Europe in July.

The seven-seater, priced at 359,800 yuan (US$49,200) in China, features autonomous driving technology powered by Xpeng’s proprietary AI chip.

The X9 is competing with Toyota’s Alphard, having outsold it in China last year with 21,141 units delivered compared to Alphard’s 16,701.

Xpeng aims to expand its global presence, targeting 50% of its revenue from 60 countries and regions within the next decade.

Currently, overseas markets account for 13% of Xpeng’s total sales.

Founder and CEO He Xiaopeng expressed confidence in the future growth of Chinese EV brands globally, despite challenges such as ongoing tariff disputes.

🔗 Source: South China Morning Post

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ China’s rise from EV subsidies to global exports reflects strategic industrial policy success

China’s current EV export ambitions stem from long-term government investment, with over 390 billion RMB ($58.3 billion) poured into the new energy vehicle sector between 2009-2017 through buyer subsidies and other programs1.

This industrial policy approach has transformed the market dramatically, with plug-in electric vehicles growing from just 6.3% of China’s auto sales in 2020 to a remarkable 47.9% by 20242.

The results are evident in China’s global dominance, now accounting for approximately 58% of worldwide EV production2.

Xpeng’s goal to increase overseas sales from 13% to 50% over the next decade demonstrates how Chinese EV makers have evolved from relying on domestic subsidies to pursuing global competitiveness.

This transition reflects earlier development phases in other Chinese industries, where government support initially catalyzed growth before companies developed their own technological capabilities and global market reach.

2️⃣ Luxury MPVs emerge as strategic battleground for Chinese EV makers

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