• 2 min read
Xpeng’s L03 may not be the Model Y killer
Xpeng says its L03 is nearing Tesla Model Y-beater status, but software simplicity and charging remain major hurdles.
Image: TechRadar
Xpeng says it is “not far from beating Model Y” as it works to challenge Tesla and premium European automakers. Founder He Xiaopeng made the claim during the Munich launch of the upcoming L03, the company’s first vehicle unveiled simultaneously in Europe and China, according to the Financial Times.
The technology-focused Chinese automaker also develops humanoid robots, artificial intelligence systems, and lightweight electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing aircraft. The L03 is positioned as a sporty SUV coupe with a starting price of €35,600—around $40,600/AU$58,000.
Its headline features include:
- A 15.6-inch central infotainment display
- Lounge-style seating
- Xpeng’s most advanced intelligent-driving system yet offered in global markets
- VLA 2.0 (Vision Language-Action) software powering its next-generation Pilot autonomous-driving functionality
“L03 has the potential to be a blockbuster model in terms of being a volume driver and certainly one of the Model Y killers, but not the killer.”
Where Xpeng still trails Tesla
Having driven Xpeng’s G6, a clear Tesla Model Y rival in design and technology, TechRadar’s experience points to two significant gaps. Tesla’s recently updated Model 3 and Model Y remain better to drive, while their software provides a smoother overall user experience.
The second gap is Tesla’s Supercharger network, which remains among the cheapest and simplest charging systems to use in most markets. It may not deliver the fastest charging speeds, but route planning, range and state-of-charge management, and contactless billing make the process notably straightforward.
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Xpeng is improving quickly
Xpeng has made visible progress with each generation of its European vehicles. The G6 brought a better-quality interior, faster charging, more powerful processing hardware, and engineering changes that improved its driving dynamics.
The L03 will also reportedly be the first Chinese automaker vehicle with Google Maps built in. Even so, Xpeng may struggle to match Tesla’s tightly integrated ownership experience—a philosophy that helped the Model S earn comparisons with the iPhone of electric vehicles after its launch roughly 14 years ago.
The sales gap remains substantial. Xpeng recorded 900 UK registrations of the G6 during its first 10 months on sale, compared with 24,298 Tesla Model Ys. European sales were stronger overall, but the Model Y remains the best-selling electric vehicle in many markets and the second most popular in China.
The L03 could move Xpeng closer to “Tesla killer” territory, but the company still has to persuade buyers that it offers a better—and not merely more technologically ambitious—EV ownership experience.
Frontier Editor
Dan is our resident futurist, covering electric mobility, space exploration, and the smart home. He's interested in atoms just as much as bits. Whether it's a new battery chemistry, a reusable rocket, or a protocol that finally makes IoT devices talk to each other, Dan breaks down the engineering that pushes humanity forward.
via TechRadar
