GUANGZHOU, China – Chinese electric car maker Xpeng Motors is making its own autonomous driving semiconductors to stay ahead of the competition, a top executive at the company told CNBC.
The remarks come after the technology news website 36Kr reported that Xpeng had put together a small team to develop semiconductors.
Xinzhou Wu, vice president in charge of autonomous management at Xpeng, said the company is exploring various technologies, including autonomous management chips.
“Well, I can not say too much about it … the competition in the Chinese market is fierce … so we look at all options. What are the best ways to maintain our advantage in the competition? So far we are sailing very good in software, ”Wu told CNBC on Wednesday.
“But going forward, we’re looking at all possible options: how to keep us … to win this competition,”
When asked if this also includes examining internal chipsets, Wu said, “That’s one of the directions, yes.”
Wu did not give further details.
Xpeng unveiled a new electric sedan called the P5 on Wednesday. The vehicle is equipped with Lidar of or Light Detection and Ranging technology, which uses lasers to map the environment of the car.
It is critical to enable some of the P5’s built-in automatic steering functions.
Currently, the P5 chips use Nvidia for autonomous driving and Qualcomm for its digital cabin in the car.
Xpeng Motors launches the P5 sedan at an event in Guangzhou, China on April 14, 2021. The P5 is Xpeng’s third production model and features so-called Lidar technology.
Arjun Kharpal | CNBC
The design of its own semiconductors can give Xpeng more control over the integration between its hardware and software.
The company focuses on developing technology internally as a way to differentiate itself from opponents in the busy market in China. Not only is Xpeng competing with traditional car manufacturers and start-ups, but an increasing number of technology companies like Baidu and Xiaomi have also been hit.
Wu claims the P5’s hardware and software and ‘the usability of the overall features is much more advanced’ than its competitors – and this will give the company an ‘edge’.
Chinese technology companies are increasingly focusing on developing their own semiconductors. Baidu raised money for its chip business last month and Xiaomi unveiled a new camera camera set on its latest flagship smartphone.