Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 6, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng (9868.HK) has entered into a collaboration with Alibaba (9988.HK)'s digital mapping subsidiary Amap to introduce a robotaxi service, as disclosed by the partners on Wednesday.

A logo of XPeng is seen on the electric flying car XPeng Voyager X2 by XPeng AeroHT, before a demonstration flight in Beijing, China June 18, 2024.

Earlier that day, Xpeng outlined its intention to deploy three proprietary robotaxi vehicles and initiate test runs in 2026. These autonomous vehicles will connect seamlessly with Amap's ecosystem, which currently partners with regional autonomous transport providers such as WeRide (WRD.O) and Pony.ai (PONY.O), per a release from Amap.

Additionally, Xpeng indicated in a post on its Weibo platform that it plans to develop an international robotaxi network alongside Amap, though no specific schedule was provided.

This alliance represents a key advancement in autonomous mobility solutions, combining Xpeng's expertise in electric vehicle engineering with Amap's robust navigation and ride-sharing infrastructure. Amap, serving over 800 million users monthly, operates across more than 200 countries and regions, positioning it ideally to aggregate diverse robotaxi fleets. By incorporating Xpeng's Level 4 autonomous systems, the platform aims to create the world's largest aggregation hub for such services, enhancing accessibility for urban commuters.

The integration will enable users to summon driverless rides directly via Amap's app, streamlining operations from booking to navigation. Xpeng's models, designed for capacities of five, six, or seven passengers and priced below 200,000 yuan (approximately $28,000), prioritize affordability and efficiency. Trial operations in cities like Guangzhou will allow for real-world validation of safety protocols and performance metrics, building on Xpeng's existing AI-driven features in its passenger vehicles.

Amap CEO Guo Ning highlighted the potential, noting that this partnership would permit mainland users to hail self-driving taxis via Alibaba’s mapping app. The move aligns with broader industry shifts toward commercializing advanced driver-assistance technologies, fostering competition and innovation in sustainable transport.

Xpeng's co-president and vice chairman, Brian Hongdi Gu, emphasized the strategic pivot, viewing the robotaxi segment as a vital revenue stream in the coming years, with possible extensions to overseas markets within five years. This reflects growing confidence in the viability of autonomous fleets, supported by in-house AI chips and software for enhanced reliability.

The collaboration extends Xpeng's ecosystem beyond traditional automotive sales, mirroring global trends where electric vehicle firms diversify into mobility-as-a-service. Amap's existing ties with WeRide and Pony.ai will complement Xpeng's entry, promoting a multi-vendor approach that diversifies options for riders while optimizing fleet utilization.

Looking forward, this initiative could accelerate adoption of electric autonomous transport, contributing to reduced urban congestion and lower emissions. As testing progresses in 2026, data from initial deployments will inform refinements, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and user expectations. Both entities underscore their commitment to ethical AI deployment, including features for data privacy and equitable access.

Overall, the partnership signals a maturing landscape for robotaxis, where technology integration drives practical applications. By leveraging Amap's global reach, Xpeng positions itself to scale operations efficiently, benefiting consumers with convenient, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional taxis. This development highlights the synergies between mapping technology and vehicle autonomy, paving the way for expansive, interconnected transport networks worldwide.