XPENG Launches YOYO Robotaxi, Pioneering Autonomous Transportation

On October 9, 2026, XPENG unveiled its latest innovation, the YOYO robotaxi, a model that represents a crucial step in the company's journey towards commercializing autonomous driving technology. This launch signifies the transition from technical validation to market readiness, with the YOYO now available for public online registration in China through an invitation code system, as reported by CleanTechnica.

The YOYO robotaxi features a design reminiscent of the Kia EV9 but is noted to have a sportier aesthetic. The name 'YOYO' was chosen for its simplicity and global market appeal, ensuring easy pronunciation across various languages. XPENG aims for the YOYO to establish a strong brand identity as it enters international markets, highlighting the importance of unified brand recognition in its marketing strategy.

XPENG's autonomous driving capabilities have been rapidly evolving, facilitated by its in-house developed Turing AI chips and the VLA2.0 large model, which enhance the vehicle's AI infrastructure. This technology allows the YOYO to bridge Level 2 (L2) intelligent driver assistance and Level 4 (L4) autonomous driving, marking a significant leap from research and development to mass production and public deployment. The company has successfully completed the full chain from online ride-hailing to automated pickup and drop-off services within the year, demonstrating its commitment to bringing autonomous vehicles to the public.

In May 2026, XPENG's mass-produced robotaxi rolled off the production line in Guangzhou, and by July, the company had initiated automated operational services. August saw XPENG obtain remote testing qualifications for intelligent connected vehicles, allowing road tests without a safety operator present in the vehicle. Prior to the official launch, XPENG conducted paid internal testing at a nominal fee of 1 renminbi per ride, primarily to validate the payment process and service workflow.

The YOYO robotaxi is touted as China’s first fully in-house developed robotaxi to achieve pre-loaded mass production, a term that refers to the integration of core software and hardware components directly during the manufacturing process, rather than retrofitting them afterward. This approach underscores XPENG's strategy of developing key components in-house, ensuring a cohesive production process.

Equipped with four Turing AI chips delivering 3,000 TOPS, the YOYO boasts the highest in-vehicle computing power currently available. Notably, it operates without reliance on HD maps or LiDAR, allowing for rapid deployment across different urban environments. This flexibility is a crucial aspect of XPENG's strategy to enhance the accessibility and usability of its robotaxi services.

User experience is also a key focus for XPENG. The YOYO features customizable settings for cabin temperature and a fragrance system, which can be activated before passengers board the vehicle. Inside, the robotaxi is designed for comfort with zero-gravity seats, massage functions, and a large entertainment screen offering integrated content services. This approach extends the purpose of autonomous driving from merely transporting passengers to providing a more enjoyable and comfortable journey.

XPENG's advancements in autonomous driving technology and its commitment to commercializing these innovations position the company as a leader in the rapidly evolving field of robotaxi services. The YOYO robotaxi is not only a testament to the company's engineering prowess but also a significant milestone in the push towards sustainable and efficient public transportation solutions. As XPENG continues to refine its technology and expand its operational capabilities, the YOYO is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban mobility in China and beyond.