IN FOCUS
In today’s newsletter, we look at:
- Xpeng’s plans for SEA go beyond EVs, but rollouts are distant
- The slow path to flying cars’ commercialization
Welcome to On the Rise! Delivered every Tuesday via email and through the Tech in Asia website, this free newsletter spotlights emerging startups and the biggest trends in the tech ecosystem. If you’re not a subscriber, get access by registering here.
Hi there,
I was in Hong Kong last week for Xpeng’s Global Brand Night, joined by media from Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, France, and other markets the Chinese automaker is eyeing.
Xpeng has a lot in common with Tesla. Both companies were founded by entrepreneurs who made their fortunes in earlier tech ventures. Both are betting big on EVs, AI, and a software-first future. And in its early days, Xpeng made no secret of borrowing from Tesla’s playbook.
But the resemblance fades once you look closer, not just at the products but at the people leading them. During a press conference, Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng delivered a nearly two-hour solo presentation, which felt more like a well-rehearsed TED Talk than a flashy product launch.
While Tesla continues to charge extra for full self-driving capabilities in its cars, Xpeng says it will offer the same features – powered by its new in-house AI chip called Turing – to all buyers at no added cost.
In this week’s Big Story, I look at how Xpeng is building what it calls the future of mobility, spanning from autonomous driving to flying cars and humanoid robots. While the Chinese company is moving quickly in its home turf, much of its new tech won’t reach Southeast Asia or other markets anytime soon.
Meanwhile, in the Hot Take, I dig into how flying car startups in China and other parts of Asia are trying to get off the ground – and what’s still standing in their way.
One quick note before I sign off: This will be the final edition of the On the Rise newsletter as we pause it for the time being to focus our attention on other newsletters.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading On the Rise as much as we have curating it and offering our regular take on emerging startups and trends.
Until next time!
– Glenn
BIG STORY
Why Xpeng’s wildest tech isn’t coming to Southeast Asia just yet
HOT TAKE
DEEP READS
EMERGING NEWS
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
