Xpeng Launches Standalone Robotaxi Unit, Targets Operator-Free L4 Service in 2027
Xpeng has launched a standalone robotaxi unit to oversee R&D, product integration and operations using a lightweight, platform-based structure. It will start passenger trials in H2 2026 and targets operator-free L4 autonomous service in 2027 with vehicles using four Turing AI chips delivering 3,000 TOPS and second-generation VLA software.
1. New Robotaxi Unit Structure
Xpeng has created a standalone robotaxi division as a tier-one organisation within its platform ecosystem. The unit will oversee product definition, project integration, R&D testing and day-to-day operations with a lightweight structure drawing on shared company resources.
2. Trial and Deployment Timeline
The division aims to launch real-world passenger-carrying trials in the second half of 2026, moving to operator-free L4 autonomous operations by 2027. He Xiaopeng outlined plans for demonstration services to evaluate technology, user experience and commercial viability.
3. Autonomous Technology and Hardware
Robotaxi vehicles feature dual hardware redundancy and four Turing AI chips providing up to 3,000 TOPS of compute, running on Xpeng’s second-generation Vision-Language-Action system. The cars include external displays to communicate intended manoeuvres to pedestrians and have cleared third-track tests.