XPeng launches Yoyo robotaxi service in China

XPeng has officially introduced Yoyo, a dedicated brand for its robotaxi and autonomous vehicle services. The company has begun opening registration for external users via an invitation code system, marking a significant step toward the commercialization of driverless transportation.

The robotaxis are built upon the XPeng GX flagship SUV and are designed to support Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities. A key technical distinction of the Yoyo system is its reliance on a second-generation Vision-Language-Action (VLA) model that operates without the use of LiDAR sensors or high-definition maps. This approach is intended to allow for faster deployment across various cities and road conditions. Each vehicle is equipped with four Turing AI chips providing a combined computing power of 3,000 TOPS.

Initial services are limited to specific areas of Guangzhou, China. Regarding its business model, XPeng intends to provide the vehicles and technology while partnering with external operators to manage field services. Amap, a Chinese mobility platform, has been announced as the first partner for the development of these services. Passenger comfort features include zero-gravity seats, massage functions, and pre-trip temperature control.