Chinese Carmaker Xpeng to Launch First Electric Offering in December

Alibaba-backed Xpeng Motors has reportedly invested billions of dollars in research and development in its attempt to challenge Tesla and establish itself as a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) market. With money funneling in from Alibaba Group Holding, Xpeng said it is now poised to release its first mass-produced model, the Xpeng G3, beginning December 12, 2018.

The fully electric five-seater compact SUV boasts an impressive list of intelligent features, which were showcased during the Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition 2018, China's A-class auto show.

"We made a deliberate decision to go through an extensively stringent testing and vigorous validation process to ensure the XPENG G3 offers its best to our customers," said He Xiaopeng, Chairman and CEO of XPENG Motors. "It's a challenge for any new EV manufacturer to ramp up production and meet delivery targets. Quality has not been compromised in our pursuit of speed. It is not a race. There's no shortcut. It's about gaining consumer confidence in our products and services and building a solid reputation for the EV sector in China."

XPENG Motors was the first Chinese EV manufacturer to receive the China Compulsory Certification by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in July 2017.

Aside from announcing the G3, Xpeng also laid out its plans for the future of the company, adding that it will open 15 direct sales and service facilities in major Chinese cities including Beijing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzen before next year’s Lunar New Year. That number is expected to balloon to 70 by year end.

The company is also building 200 super charging stations for its car buyers.