XPENG Names Robotaxi Service XPENG YOYO, Begins Public Trials
XPENG has officially branded its robotaxi service as XPENG YOYO and initiated public invitation-based testing. This move signifies a transition from internal technical validation to real-world user experience.
Chinese technology company XPENG has announced XPENG YOYO as the global brand name for its robotaxi business and launched an invitation-only mini-program for public testing. This development marks a significant step from internal technical validation towards real-world user trials for the company's autonomous ride-hailing service.
The first production robotaxis, based on XPENG's GX model, rolled off the production line in May 2026. By July, the company had completed end-to-end service process testing, including online booking and autonomous pick-up and drop-off. Public testing follows internal employee trials and over 2,000 test rides conducted in Guangzhou, where XPENG also received approval for road tests without a safety driver.
XPENG is focusing on both autonomous driving technology and the operational infrastructure required for a robotaxi service, encompassing vehicle production, order dispatch, and payment systems. The YOYO vehicles utilize a vision-based perception system, relying on four in-house Turing AI chips and a Vision-Language-Action model, rather than high-definition maps or LiDAR. This approach aims to leverage existing intelligent vehicle development experience and mass production capabilities.
Key challenges remain in ensuring safety, reliability, and operational efficiency across diverse scenarios, including complex intersections and adverse weather conditions. The company's commercialization strategy hinges on cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency. XPENG plans to introduce a dedicated robotaxi model in 2027 and aims for single-vehicle profitability in Guangzhou by the second half of 2027.
The XPENG YOYO service is now undergoing scrutiny in public settings. Future indicators of success will include service reliability, operational scale, and the company's ability to demonstrate a viable path to profitability in the competitive robotaxi market.