At Auto Shanghai 2023, Xpeng Inc. announced its fifth smart EV model and the first production model based on the company’s second-generation smart electric platform architecture (SEPA2.0).

The G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV delivers the company’s latest intelligent cabin, superfast charging, performance features, and smart driving. It will be equipped with the latest XNGP in what it calls the final stage of ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) before “fully realizing autonomous driving.” Aimed at “create a dream car for the younger generation,” the G6 features a body design with a new concept it calls tech-fluid aesthetics to satisfy customers’ need for style as well as their requirements for responsive handling, large interior space, and immersive comfort and infotainment amenities.

“G6 is born intelligent, conceived through Xpeng’s technological ingenuity and relentless innovation to continuously set new industry standards in the era of smartification,” said He Xiaopeng, Chairman & CEO of Xpeng. “We aspire to redefine the mobility experience of a broad customer base with streamlined configurations, outstanding performance, a unified immersive product experience, and efficient development iterations.”

Backed by the new model’s SEPA2.0, the company expects to set new mid-sized BEV (battery electric vehicle) SUV segment benchmarks for “smart superiority,” range reliability, handling excellence, and physical comfort. Helping that effort is the company’s 800-V SiC (silicon carbide) platform and 3C battery cells, China’s only mass-produced front and rear integrated aluminum body die-casting technology, and CIB (Cell Integrated Body) battery-body integration technology.

 

SEPA2.0

Just before the Auto Shanghai show, the company provided a deeper dive into the SEPA2.0 foundation for future production models. The company says that using the new architecture will shorten future models’ R&D cycle by 20% and that 80% of architectural components will be compatible across the new models. SEPA2.0 can accommodate wheelbases between 1800 and 3200 mm (71 and 126 in) and is scalable to support a variety of vehicle types including sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, wagons, SUVs, MPVs, and pickup trucks.

The 800-V SiC platform increases battery charging speed by 50% over the previous generation. Charging options consist of 7 and 11 kW for home, 20-kW DC fast-charging, S2 180-kW DC supercharging, and S4 480-kW DC superfast charging across China. Xpeng is expanding the S4-enabled charging network with about 500 new stations becoming operational in 2023.

With a standard 3C cell configuration, the battery can add 130 km (81 mi) of range with a 5-min charge. At Xpeng’s S4 facilities, 200 km (124 mi) of range can be added in 5 min. At third-party chargers, it can accommodate up to 180 kW of power.

The in-house developed XPower 800-V oil-cooled flat-wire SiC system increases maximum electric drive efficiency to 97.5% and the overall electric drive efficiency to 92%. Each 1% increase in overall electric drive system efficiency translates into an estimated 2% increase in EV range. Powerful system integrations are said to deliver an industry-leading power-to-weight ratio of 2.5 kW/kg, ensuring less whole-car weight while creating a more spacious and quieter cabin.

The X-HP smart thermal management system offers a systematic energy-efficient solution to ensure better range and charging capacity for temperatures from -30 to +55°C (-22 to +131°F). In cold conditions, it increases the range by 15%. It improves battery cooling performance by 100%, leading to a 90% increase in charging power.

 

SEPA2.0 smart tech

SEPA2.0’s intelligent architecture is aimed at accelerating smart technology inclusion.

XNGP, which Xpeng calls its in-house full-scenario ADAS (advanced driver assistance system), will come as standard on all its future models for the Chinese market. With the SEPA2.0 architecture, XNGP’s overall “R&D efficiency” will increase by 30%, while ADAS software model adaptation costs will be reduced by 70%.

Backed by China’s largest and only operational autonomous driving supercomputing center, closed-loop data feedback, and self-evolving AI system, XNGP will evolve and upgrade its driving assistance skills. It targets a takeover frequency of less than once per 1000 km (621 mi) in highway scenarios in 2023 and a takeover frequency of less than once per 100 km (62 mi) in urban scenarios by 2025.

The Xmart OS in-car operating system leverages a multi-sensor software and hardware platform to augment and transform control and driver-vehicle interaction. Powered by AI, supercomputers, and foundation models, the OS can make intelligent decisions to optimize control of cabin functions.

The SEPA2.0-based R&D platform lowers Xmart OS software adaptation costs by 85%, shortens the voice software R&D cycle by 50%, and reduces the cost of voice assistant service by 50%. Xpeng says this makes the industry’s top smart cabin services available to every Xpeng owner while revolutionizing cockpit instrumentation and road perception.

Backing all of this is the X-EEA electrical and electronic architecture. Consisting of a data technology platform, a whole-car software platform, and a hardware architecture platform, it underpins Xpeng’s technology foundation with high performance, superior safety, and cloud application integration. It optimizes overall vehicle R&D costs by 50%, shortens software iteration cycles by 30%, and increases OTA (over-the-air) update speed by 300%.

 

SEPA2.0 structure

The Tesla Model Y-style front and rear integrated aluminum body die castings are said to be the first of their kind in mass-production models from a Chinese OEM. They enable more uniform fabrication of the car, bringing more stable control and better driving performance. Compared with traditional fabrication, their use is said to improve torsional rigidity by 83%, enhancing body safety, while reducing body weight by 17%, further boosting EV range.

The Cell Integrated Body technology optimizes cabin design by enabling more vertical space, increasing battery safety, and enhancing overall driving performance by improving the center of gravity. With an 80-ton side-collision-resistance design and an IP68 waterproof and dustproof design, the CIB battery pack meets the highest safety standards in the three main markets of China, North America, and Europe.

Xpeng’s Smart Manufacturing System will be built out by 2025 including at the Zhaoqing Plant, Guangzhou Base, and several future projects, with all manufacturing facilities will integrate SEPA2.0 through technology upgrades.

 

Applying G6 design to SEPA2.0

The SEPA2.0 architecture brings comprehensive upgrades in smart functions, safety, range, and handling for the G6. The vehicle’s upgraded X-EEA 3.5 central supercomputing capability and domain controller increase interconnection speed, providing a powerful foundation for the XNGP ADAS and sophisticated intelligent cabin. The smart cabin and vehicle controller are partitioned to provide “financial-level information security” for user and vehicle data.

The G6’s body was developed in consultation with Chinese sci-fi legend Cixin Liu. It features the Xpeng family’s signature style with “vanishing surfaces,” broad shoulders, and a panoramic sunroof measuring over 2 m² (21.5 ft²). Its “modern coupe style” features 17 optimized anti-drag design features like an adaptive drag-lift electric tail to deliver a low drag coefficient of 0.248, which helps extend the car’s range. Its front design incorporates the Xpeng family’s signature design language with “a more expressive robot face.”

The 800-V and 3C technology extend the G6’s CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) range to as much as 755 km (469 mi), an increase of 71 km (44 mi) over previous models. The maximum charging speed for 300 km (186 mi) of range is just 10 min.

The G6 is 4753 mm (187.1 in) long, 1920 mm (75.6 in) wide, and 1650 mm (65.0 in) tall. Short front and rear overhangs and a long 2890-mm (113.8-mm) wheelbase give generous inner space, especially in the rear. The G6’s “suspended roof” design offers spacious headroom, while the long wheelbase allows for roomy rear seats.

The front and rear integrated aluminum die-casting and CIB battery-body integration technology help the G6 achieve better driving control, safety, and NVH. The G6’s chassis—featuring a low 540-mm (21.3-in) center of mass and 50/50 front/rear axle load ratio—was tuned and optimized by a “German professional team” to ensure sporty performance.

The interior introduces the “circle of life” concept with a design philosophy of simplicity. Highlights are a newly designed leather steering wheel and air vents that are electronically controlled from a 15-in screen.

Cabin comfort is supported by ergonomic seats throughout and front seats with ventilation and heating, power adjustment, position memory, and a welcome function. Seat upholstery material quality is emphasized by adopting child-proof, stain-resistant, anti-bacterial organic silicone fabric and microfiber suede for an easy-to-clean cabin and air quality 3-10 times better than international standards.