XPeng launches X9 EREV with over 1,600 km of range

XPeng just officially launched its first-ever extended-range electric car, the X9 PowerX. This new version of its popular MPV combines a fuel engine with a large battery. The starting price for the new X9 Max variant lands at RMB 309,800, which is about $43,550. This represent over 11% price cut from the RMB 350,000 announced during its pre-sales period earlier this month.

As expected, the EREV version is much cheaper than its battery-powered sibling, which starts at RMB 359,800. This aggressive pricing strategy makes one thing perfectly clear: XPeng intends to immediately grab a major share of the hybrid MPV market. The higher-end Ultra variant also sees a similar reduction, starting at RMB 329,800.

The X9 PowerX truly stands out with its incredible ability to travel long distances. The vehicle claims a combined range of 995 miles when its 2.12 ft³ fuel tank and battery are both full - a number that pretty much beats any vehicle on the road.

The system uses a 63.3 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack supplied by CALB, which is quite large for a hybrid system. This large battery gives the X9 an impressive pure electric range of 281 miles (CLTC standard), placing it among the longest-range EREVs currently available. XPeng designed the vehicle to run on electricity for 90 percent of driving situations without ever needing the range-extending 1.5-liter turbo engine to fire up. When needed, that engine efficiently generates power for the battery with a maximum power generation efficiency of 3.6 Wh/l.

The new X9 is built on serious technology, using XPeng's new Kunpeng Super Electric System and an advanced 800V high-voltage architecture. This 800V system allows for ultrafast charging speeds, and the X9 supports 5C charging rates, meaning drivers can add 194 miles of range in about 10 minutes.

The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive setup delivers respectable performance for a large MPV, with the motor providing a peak power of 210 kW (281 horsepower) and 343 lb-ft of torque. This power helps the vehicle accelerate from a standstill to 62 mph in 8 seconds flat.

As an MPV, the XPeng X9 offers a big size and plenty of cabin space. It measures 17.45 ft long, 6.53 ft wide, and 5.84 ft tall, riding on a lengthy 10.37 ft wheelbase. For those keeping track, the EREV version is actually 0.91 inches longer than the all-electric X9, though the other dimensions remain identical.

Inside, the new X9 gets the highly capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chip for its cockpit, a component often found in premium EV models. For its assisted driving features, the X9 comes in two tiers: the lower-priced Max variant includes one XPeng-developed Turing AI chip with 750 TOPS of computing power, while the Ultra variant triples down, featuring three Turing AI chips for a combined 2,250 TOPS.

The X9 EREV is a strategic pivot for the company. XPeng plans to expand its market reach by offering seven different models with dual powertrain options - both BEV and EREV - starting next year. This will include extended-range versions of its popular G7 SUV, G6 SUV, and P7+ sedan. The company is clearly trying to open up new sales channels, especially as it looks to explore higher-priced segments of the market.

XPeng's decision to jump into the EREV category comes at an interesting time. The EREV segment grew 3.60 percent year-on-year from January to October, but it saw a slight dip in October sales - the fourth straight month of decline. Meanwhile, the pure electric car market exploded, surging over 63 percent year-on-year in October alone.

Is XPeng gambling by launching the X9 PowerX with such competitive pricing and range? Sure, but it is a calculated gamble that the blend of huge electric range, quick-charge ability, and the gasoline backup will appeal to buyers who are hesitant to fully switch to pure battery EVs.

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