XPeng CEO Puts Tesla's FSD to the Test: Which Self-Driving Tech Reigns Supreme
For years now, the battle for self-driving supremacy has been primarily a duel between two automotive giants: Tesla and XPeng Motors. While both companies are pushing the limits of autonomous driving technology in their respective regions, their cutting-edge systems—Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) and XPeng's Navigation Guided Pilot (XNGP)—remain unavailable in each other’s markets. However, XPeng's founder, He Xiaopeng, decided to see how Tesla’s FSD stacks up to his own technology in a fascinating test drive through the United States.
The Titans of Self-Driving Technology
When the term 'self-driving car' comes up, Tesla is usually the first name to spring to mind. The American automaker has long promised fully autonomous features for its vehicles, although true autonomy remains a promise yet to be fully realized. While Tesla continues to refine its FSD, it is worth noting that the software has yet to earn the prestigious SAE Level 3 certification for autonomous driving in the U.S. On the flip side, automakers like Mercedes-Benz have achieved this feat with their EVs, albeit within certain parameters.
Across the Pacific, Chinese startups like XPeng are not just playing catch-up but are establishing themselves as industry leaders. XPeng's journey in autonomous driving began with the Navigation Guided Pilot (NGP), initially tailored for highway scenarios. The company later expanded to more congested urban environments with City NGP before fully launching XNGP in March 2023. Touted as 'the most advanced and capable' self-driving ADAS in China, XNGP is currently available throughout the country, thereby positioning XPeng as a formidable contender against Tesla’s FSD.
A CEO's Eyewitness Test
In a video uploaded by XPeng Motors, He Xiaopeng took Tesla's latest FSD version V12.3.6 for a spin in the U.S. After teasing his experience on LinkedIn, he expressed profound admiration for the advancements Tesla has made in such a short period. 'I am truly impressed by the significant progress FSD has made in just a few months,' Xiaopeng wrote. 'It offers valuable features and a user experience that we can learn from.'
However, the XPeng founder also pointed out that there’s still room for improvement. For instance, he felt that Waymo performed better than Tesla FSD in the bustling streets of downtown San Francisco but noted that Tesla’s tech excelled in highways around Silicon Valley. This candid comparison not only highlights the strengths and weaknesses of Tesla's FSD but also adds credibility to the ongoing dialogue between these automotive giants.
Lessons From the Road
It's no secret that Tesla and XPeng have had a contentious relationship. Tesla once tried to sue XPeng, accusing them of pilfering their Autopilot source code. Although this legal tangle was resolved in 2021 without XPeng's involvement, the competitive tension between the two companies remains palpable. However, Xiaopeng's recent test drive of Tesla’s technology seems to signal a softening of this rivalry, focusing more on mutual growth and innovation rather than old grudges.
Interestingly, XPeng is reportedly considering ditching LiDAR sensors in favor of pure vision cameras—a strategy mirroring Tesla’s approach. This shift could mark a significant turning point for XPeng's future developments, especially as both companies eye global expansion. While Tesla is exploring ways to bring FSD to China, XPeng is simultaneously widening its XNGP footprint across Europe, setting the stage for a global showdown in self-driving technology.
Conclusion
In an industry where innovation is the name of the game, seeing leaders from competing firms openly acknowledge and learn from each other is invigorating. XPeng's comparison video offers a unique, insightful look into the nuances of self-driving technology, revealing that while both Tesla and XPeng have their strengths, the journey towards full autonomy is a collaborative endeavor.
For a more in-depth view, be sure to watch the full video. You may find more than just a friendly comparison; you could be looking at the future of automotive autonomy.