Tesla Rival Xpeng Motors Launches a More Advanced Version of its G3 Electric SUV

author: Eric Walz   

The electric Xpeng G3 SUV

Chinese electric vehicle startup Xpeng Motors unveiled its new G3 sport utility vehicle today, which offers a longer range and other technology improvements from the previous model. Xpeng is aiming to compete with Tesla and other domestic automakers in China with its more affordable lineup of advanced electric vehicles.

The upgraded G3 boasts an extended NEDC driving range of 323 miles (520 km) and energy density of 180 Wh/kg. The launch of the new G3 further adds to Xpeng's existing product portfolio, which will eventually include the upcoming P7 electric coupe.

The  2020 Xpeng G3 SUV is available in two versions: the longe-range G3 520 and the G3 400. The G3 520 version boasts the furthest range of any compact EV SUV in its class, according to Xpeng. The G3 400 version achieves a 249 mile (401 km) NEDC range respectively.

"The release of the Xpeng G3 2020 demonstrates that Xpeng Motors is able to expand, upgrade and enhance its product portfolio, addressing customer demands and reinforcing our competitiveness in China's fast-growing EV intelligent transportation market," said Xpeng Motors Chairman & CEO He Xiaopeng. "As well as a superb vehicle with world-class capabilities, the Xpeng G3 2020 is a confirmation of our capabilities as a frontrunner in China's EV market."

The G3 is powered by a new-generation lithium-ion battery developed by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL). G3 520 has an energy density of 180 Wh/kg, a breakthrough for China's new EV brands.  The G3 520 comes with enhanced supercharging capacity, enabling the battery to reach a 80% charge in just 30 minutes.

Xpeng said it optimized the chassis hardware configuration and tuning of the 2020 G3 to provide users with a higher quality driving experience. Among the changes is that the chassis is more compact, the suspension is specifically tuned to offer enhanced stability of control and ride comfort. 

Xpeng also improved the braking performance of the G3. The electric SUV comes with high performance dual-piston front brake calipers and a larger rear brake setup enhanced with larger bore brake vacuum booster.

The vehicle's brakes achieve a stopping distance of 121 feet from 60 miles per hour. The Xpeng G3 2020 comes equipped with the Bosch's new generation EPB-MI electronic parking brakes, with additional safety functions such hill parking, dynamic parking, automatic departure, automatic parking, and anti-sliding.

The Xpeng G3 2020 Edition carries a newly upgraded version of the automaker's XPILOT 2.5 advanced driver assist system (ADAS) with new features including TJA (Traffic Congestion Assist) and ICA (Intelligent Cruise Assist), enabling it to perform LCC (Lane Centering Control), which keep the G3 centered in a lane.

An automated lane changing (ALC) function allows the new G3 to assess traffic and road conditions in real time, and automatically changes lanes when a driver pushes the turn signal stalk. These safety features are further supported by AI-powered driver fatigue and distraction warning, always making sure the driver is paying attention. The driver monitoring system also includes driver heartbeat and health status monitoring.

These new features increase the G3's convenience, comfort and safety, by ensuring that the car remains centered in traffic lanes in both congested urban conditions and high-speed long-distance cruising, despite driver fatigue or uneven road surfaces.

The release of the Xpeng G3 2020 is the latest in a series of significant moves for the company this year. 

In April and May 2019, Xpeng ranked as No. 1 among new EV manufacturers in China for monthly delivery to customers, according the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), with 2,200 and 2,704 units delivered in April and May.  For comparison, U.S.-based electric automaker Tesla reported combined deliveries of 17,650 Model S sedans and Model X SUVs in Q2 this year.

On June 18th 2019, Xpeng completed the production of 10,000 units of the G3, 188 days after its official launch on December 12th 2018.

Xpeng, founded in 2014, is backed by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba and others. In August 2018, Xpeng announced it raised 4 billion yuan ($587 million) in its latest fundraising round, valuing the electric car startup at nearly 25 billion yuan.

Xpeng plans to have a sales network of more than 100 retail stores by the end of 2019, including both self-operated and authorized retail stores. The company is building its fully-owned intelligent factory in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province to build its electric vehicles, targeting completion in Q3 2019.

The Xpeng G3 2020 edition's price range is between RMB143,800 - 196,800 (US$20,922 - 28,633).

Delivery of the new G3 to customers in China will begin in September. 

Eric Walz

Originally hailing from New Jersey, Eric is a automotive & technology reporter covering the high-tech industry here in Silicon Valley. He has over 15 years of automotive experience and a bachelors degree in computer science. These skills, combined with technical writing and news reporting, allows him to fully understand and identify new and innovative technologies in the auto industry and beyond. He has worked at Uber on self-driving cars and as a technical writer, helping people to understand and work with technology.