Both the P7 and Model 3 range estimates are based on the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test format, and of course both refer to the longer range (and price) versions of both models, both of which They are RWD (or rear wheel drive cars). In the case of the Tesla, it has a 75 kWh battery while the Xpeng has an 80.9 kWh battery.
Xpeng says the P7 is available to order right now, although technically that only applies if you’re in China and have between $ 32,462 and $ 49,404 to spend. In addition, you must be willing to wait until June, when the cars will begin to be delivered to their new owners.
The company also claims to have the first vehicle of Tier 3 autonomous production available in China, but I confess I’m a bit skeptical about it, given that no one has any Tier 3 vehicle currently available anywhere in the world.
However, the interesting thing about the P7 is how much it feels it could be a viable Tesla competitor, at least in terms of design. Sure, the Chevrolet Bolt offered good range and ease of use on par with Tesla, but its design simply failed to capture the interest of potential electric car buyers, and the sleek, sleek look of the Tesla Model 3 is completely absent in the Bolt, which could explain, in part, its poor sales so far compared to the Model 3.
This Xpeng feels different.
Its design has an elegant and clean style, and it also has the same high-tech coating as the Model 3 . On the other hand, it also has performance that can match Tesla’s car, accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 4.3 seconds, close enough to the Model 3’s 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.9 seconds.
Although no official plans have been announced to sell the P7 in the United States or the rest of the world, Xpeng has received permission from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct road tests. If the car ends up being sold in the United States, this could be a very formidable suitor for the Model 3 throne. It could be an interesting battle!
Of course, there are still some obstacles to adopting the Chinese car brand in the United States, often with perceptions of quality problems manufacturing but it’s not like Tesla I didn’t have to deal with that too.
