XPENG has named its robotaxi business XPENG YOYO and begun invitation-only public trials through a dedicated ride-hailing mini program. This step moves beyond internal testing to assess operational reliability and user experience of their autonomous service in China.
- XPENG YOYO robotaxi invites public testers via mini program
- Service uses vision-only AI model with in-house Turing chips
- Expansion plans include dedicated robotaxi model in 2027
What happened
XPENG officially branded its robotaxi service as XPENG YOYO and launched an autonomous driving ride-hailing mini program inviting public users to join select trial rides through invitation codes. This signifies a move from internal validation toward real-world user testing.
Why it matters
XPENG’s approach relies heavily on vision-based AI technology, powered by proprietary Turing AI chips delivering 3,000 TOPS of computing power, foregoing LiDAR and high-definition maps. This strategy may reduce operational costs and support scalable deployment across cities.
Beyond technology, XPENG is prioritizing passenger experience by offering adjustable cabin settings, zero-gravity seats, and entertainment, addressing key consumer expectations for safety, convenience, and comfort that will influence the service’s market competitiveness.
What to watch next
Monitoring XPENG’s ability to maintain reliable, safe, and efficient robotaxi operations in public settings will be crucial, particularly as trials expand beyond invitation-only usage. The company also plans to introduce a dedicated robotaxi model in 2027 and scale services to other cities including Shenzhen.
The pursuit of profitability is a major focus, with CEO He Xiaopeng targeting single-vehicle profitability in Guangzhou by the second half of 2027, leveraging high-density operations and a business model combining vehicle sales, technology services, and ride-hailing revenue shares.