Smarter than Tesla FSD? Watch this XPeng BEV navigate through motorbike traffic

Of all the Chinese battery electric vehicle (BEV) makers that have been making waves all over the world, XPeng (pronounced “Xiao Peng”) is probably the one closest to Tesla in terms of technology.

Aside from models that resembled some of Tesla’s own, XPeng also has its own version of Full Self-Driving (FSD). Dubbed XPeng Navigation Guided Pilot (XNGP), it is a feature that enables self-driving.

Currently, the latest update is only available in China. What began as a pilot project for a few cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen in March 2023 is now available unlimitedly on every single Chinese road.

XNGP is even heralded as the most advanced and capable ADAS feature in China with this video showing a XPeng BEV navigating through a busy traffic proving that to be the case.

According to XPeng, the footage was taken in Beihai City during rush hour. It’s pretty amazing to see how the BEV manages to turn according to the navigation and avoid other traffic, especially motorcyclists as natural as a human driver.

It's worth pointing out that the driver's hands are on the steering wheel throughout the video. Not only will the self-driving system cancel out if the driver lets go of their hand, but they could be punished as well since Chinese traffic regulations require the hands to be on the steering wheel.

XNGP is powered by XPeng’s XNet deep learning neural network that is backed by China’s largest autonomous driving supercomputing centre. Part of the reason why the system’s coverage can be expanded in a particularly short time while rapidly accumulating driving expertise is because of its self-developed closed-loop AI and data system.

XPeng’s self-driving capability feature is available on all XPeng models in China. The Chinese Tesla plans to roll out XNGP globally as soon as 2025 though XPeng is currently only available in left-hand drive (LHD) markets.

Also read: The real Chinese Tesla - Right-hand drive Xpeng is confirmed for Malaysia

Those of us who drive with the steering wheel on the right might not have to wait too long though. XPeng will be making its right-hand drive (RHD) market debut at next week’s 45th Bangkok International Motor Show.

It will be distributed by a company that is related to a subsidiary of PTT, Thailand’s equivalent of Petronas. XPeng will also make its way to Malaysia with Bermaz Auto announced as its distributor.

Also read: Bermaz confirmed to launch XPeng in Malaysia