Xpeng CEO touts AI‑driven cars and previews low‑cost LO3 electric SUV

Xpeng chief executive Brian Gu said that in the future “our children will no longer need a driver’s licence,” arguing that self‑driving cars should be seen as intelligent systems that learn and gradually take over tasks. He noted that while the vision is gaining traction in China, Europe still faces regulatory hurdles and public scepticism.

At a recent event in Beijing, Xpeng unveiled the LO3, a compact electric SUV aimed at the mass market. The 4.6‑metre vehicle combines a coupe‑like profile with aerodynamic efficiency (drag coefficient 0.228) and features physical door handles to meet upcoming Chinese regulations. It will be offered with 56 kWh or 69 kWh LFP batteries, delivering an estimated 505–650 km (CLTC) range, and is powered by a 183 kW motor. The LO3 also incorporates Xpeng’s VLA 2.0 autonomous driving system on Turing chips, positioning it as a competitor to higher‑priced models while targeting a lower price point for broader global launch.