Xpeng names robotaxi Yoyo, targets 2027 driverless service with vision-only L4 system
By Eve
Chinese EV maker Xpeng announced on 8 October 2026 that its autonomous ride-hailing service will be called Xpeng Yoyo, launching a booking mini-programme for staged internal testing. The robotaxi is based on the Xpeng GX flagship SUV (priced from 399,800 yuan in China) and uses a vision-only Level 4 system without lidar or high-definition maps, similar to Tesla's approach. Xpeng has completed 2,000 test rides and plans to open a fully driverless public service in 2027, though it has not disclosed fleet size or exact rollout dates.
Why it matters
A major Chinese OEM entering robotaxi operations with a vision-only architecture signals potential cost advantages and faster scaling compared to lidar-dependent rivals, while the 2027 timeline gives charging operators a window to plan depot and on-route infrastructure for autonomous fleets in Chinese cities.
Source
- Original title
- “Xpeng names its robotaxi Yoyo – GX-based L4 vision-only car, 2,000 test rides done; driverless service in 2027”
- Published
- 8 October 2026
- Updated
- 9 October 2026
- Also covered by
- electriccarsreport.com
In this story
- Topic
- Electric Vehicles
- Place
- China
- Tag
- Xpeng
Related news
XPENG G9L enters production at Magna Austria facility ahead of Paris Motor Show debut
XPENG has completed the first production trial of its G9L AI flagship SUV at Magna's Graz plant in Austria, marking the fourth model built at the site alongside the G6, G9 and P7+. The pre-production vehicle will travel 1,324 kilometres from Graz to Paris for its global premiere at the Paris Motor Show on 12 October. XPENG has now delivered more than 100,000 vehicles outside China, including over 60,000 in Europe and more than 6,000 in France since entering that market two years ago, with Q2 2026 overseas deliveries exceeding 20,000 units for the first time, up 81 per cent.
Why it matters
Local European production at Magna's Austrian facility reduces logistics costs and tariff exposure for XPENG, potentially improving price competitiveness in tenders and fleet deals. Growing volumes in France and across Europe signal rising demand for charging infrastructure to support XPENG's expanding installed base, particularly for high power DC charging compatible with the G9L's fast charging capability.
Brazilian battery swap firm Vammo reaches 10 million swaps and EBITDA profitability
Vammo, a São Paulo based electric motorcycle and battery swapping company, has surpassed 10 million battery swaps since launching in 2022, up from 1 million swaps in early 2024. The firm now operates around 1,000 swapping points serving more than 10,000 active riders and has achieved EBITDA profitability. Vammo is expanding to Campinas as its second city, with plans to focus on São Paulo state before broader Latin American rollout.
Why it matters
The profitability milestone and rapid swap volume growth demonstrate a viable commercial model for battery swapping infrastructure in high density two wheeler markets, where São Paulo state alone sees over 500,000 motorcycle sales annually. Vammo's expansion plans signal potential procurement opportunities for swapping hardware and energy management systems across Latin America's urban delivery and mobility sectors.
Lepas L8 Elevate plug-in hybrid SUV launches in UK at £34,900 with 10% BiK rate
Lepas, the premium brand from Chery (parent of Omoda and Jaecoo), has launched its first UK model, the L8 Elevate plug-in hybrid SUV. The mid-size family SUV is priced from £34,900 for the Essence trim to £37,900 for the top-spec Elevate, attracting a 10% Benefit-in-Kind rate for the 2026/27 tax year. Reviewer Ian Campbell praised the cabin quality, leather seats and premium detailing, noting that 20% taxpayers face around £63 monthly BiK and 40% taxpayers roughly £126, delivering meaningful savings over petrol equivalents in the 30% plus BiK bracket.
Why it matters
The competitive pricing and low BiK rate position the L8 as an attractive fleet option for organisations seeking cost-effective plug-in hybrid SUVs, while the new brand entry adds another contender in the mid-size PHEV segment that may influence procurement shortlists and residual value benchmarks for charging infrastructure planners.