Tesla-rival Xpeng reveals interest in Indian EV market, keeps ADAS rollout on radar
Chinese EV maker Xpeng Motors has expressed interest in the Indian market, hinting at future plans while acknowledging that a formal entry is still some distance away. Speaking during a media roundtable, a senior executive from Xpeng, pointed out both the immense potential and the unique challenges of operating in the country.
The automaker, which currently sells AI-powered premium electric vehicles in China, Europe, and Australia, is known for pushing the technology to a next level in mobility. It plans to launch its first flying car in 2026 and will begin producing humanoid robots the same year.
Xpeng’s India plans revealed
Although there’s no confirmed timeline for India, the company is closely observing the evolving EV ecosystem here. “It’s a market we are monitoring,” the executive said, adding that India presents a different challenge compared to Xpeng’s home market. “China has dense traffic, but India is something else entirely.”
Xpeng’s flagship electric MPV, the X9, is a telling example of its value proposition. Priced at approximately Rs 49 lakh for the top variant in China, it offers significantly more space, range, and features than many EVs available in India that cost upwards of Rs 1.5–2 crore. Even with import duties, Xpeng believes it can undercut luxury rivals on price while delivering more tech.
The company also touched on the possibility of introducing Xpeng’s ADAS technology in India. While there’s no immediate plan, Xpeng didn’t rule out the idea in the long term.
“India presents a very different challenge. ADAS in India would require adaptation. We’re first focusing on launching our ADAS tech in Europe and Southeast Asia” he said. “But our vision is to eventually make our technology available to customers worldwide including India.”
