Xpeng Motors is preparing to take a big step in shaping the future of their coming EVs. The Chinese EV brand plans to drop the usage of LiDAR technology for autonomous driving on their coming model. This model in question that will mark a change for the EV maker will launch towards the end of the year, as reports on this matter show.
In place of LiDAR technology, the coming Xpeng vehicle to launch in Q4 of 2024 will use a pure vision solution. This will involve the usage of cameras around the vehicle to keep track of moving and stationary objects around the vehicle. It might also be capable of reading signs on the road to achieve hands-free driving on highways as well as city roads.
https://x.com/SawyerMerritt/status/1810395253867950315
The race for fully autonomous driving is the driving force behind this move from Xpeng Motors. According to the reports, He Xiaopeng, chairman of Xpeng Motors, is aiming to compete with autonomous driving on Waymo driverless taxis and Tesla FSD V12.3.6. During his visit to America, where he tried out autonomous driving on Waymo and Tesla vehicles, He Xiaopeng was pleased by the experience.
With the coming Xpeng vehicle, He Xiaopeng and his team will integrate the usage of the pure vision solution. Xiaopeng’s visit to America was to prepare for the arrival of Xpeng’s pure vision system. Possibly, the use of pure vision technology in place of LiDAR sensors will be more cost-effective for Xpeng.
So this move might not just improve autonomous driving on Xpeng cars but also save some production costs. While we wait for the launch of this coming vehicle, it’s good to note that Elon Musk might also be watching as well. More information on the coming Xpeng vehicle to drop LiDAR sensors will hit the internet over the coming weeks.