By AFP
February 22, 2025
XPENG, a Chinese-born global-orientated high-tech automotive company, announces its official entry to the UK — XPENG Visual Asset Library
One of China’s leading electric vehicle makers XPeng plans to double the number of countries in which the company operates by the end of this year, its CEO said Saturday.
Founded in 2014, XPeng is one of the Chinese firms in the sector with the strongest international ambitions, focusing in particular on cutting-edge technologies and design.
“We are going to accelerate from the 30 countries and regions where we were present in 2024,” XPeng founder and chief executive officer He Xiaopeng told a news conference in the southern Guangzhou city, overseeing a shipment of XPeng cars to Thailand.
“This year, we will increase to 60 and will have established more than 300 after-sales service points worldwide,” he said.
XPeng which designs high-end cars, already has stores in several European countries, including France, Germany, Sweden and Norway.
“Over the 10-year period from 2024 to 2033, we expect half of XPeng’s sales to come from outside China,” he said.
X9 electric vehicles by Chinese EV manufacturer XPeng, waiting to be loaded on a ship headed for Thailand – Copyright AFP Pedro Pardo
The ambitious plan comes despite the obstacles posed by the European Union, which has imposed extra import tariffs on China-made electric vehicles of up to 35.3 percent after concluding Beijing’s state support was unfairly undercutting European automakers.
XPeng is banking that its bespoke features — such as driving assistance, rapid recharging and modular interiors — would help it stand out from the crowd in the fiercely competitive Chinese market.
On Saturday, He forecast the possible demise of certain Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers when faced with intense rivalry over price, service and technological advances.
“This year marks the start of the elimination phase in China. I think it’s going to be extremely intense in 2025, 2026 and 2027,” He said.
A record 10.9 million hybrid and electric vehicles were sold in the country last year, up more than 40 percent from 2023, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA).
The Chinese electric vehicle market has witnessed explosive growth in recent years, driven in part by generous subsidies from Beijing.
China’s government has supported the development and production of less polluting battery-powered vehicles, a field where Chinese manufacturers such as BYD and XPeng are leading the way.
Goodbye Tesla, hello Dacia Bigster: Most anticipated EVs revealed
By Dr. Tim Sandle
February 20, 2025
DIGITAL JOURNAL
The Dacia Bigster is a compact crossover SUV from the Romanian car manufacturer Dacia. Image by Ubi-testet CC3.0.
A recent study by Value My Car, conducted in January 2025, ranked the top ten most anticipated electric vehicles of 2025 based on the most recent search interest and market expectations.
The selection of vehicles was based on manufacturer announcements, industry reports, and news sources, covering a mix of compact cars, luxury SUVs, and electric pickups. Models were ranked according to their search volume, with approximate pricing included based on manufacturer estimates, comparable models, and market benchmarks.
This revealed, in perhaps a surprising shift in electric cars, that the Dacia Bigster has surpassed the new Tesla model as the most anticipated EV of 2025, breaking the trend seen in previous years.
The top ten most anticipated models, based on Google search data, are:Dacia Bigster
Tesla Model Q
Volkswagen ID.7
Jeep Wagoneer S
GMC Sierra EV Denali
Jeep Recon
Hyundai Ioniq 9
Renault 5 Turbo 3E
MINI Countryman SE
Mini Aceman
Dacia Bigster is a mid-sized SUV, also available as a hybrid option. With a $30,000 price tag, this vehicle provides a seemingly budget-friendly alternative in a competitive SUV market.
SUVs – or ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ – are loosely defined, although the vehicle tends to refer to stylish, sleek looking vehicles that offer elegant city driving but also handle rugged terrain thanks to a typical 4×4 capability.
Of the cars bubbling below:
Tesla Model Q comes in second with 737K searches, less than half of Dacia Bigster’s searches. Tesla’s reputation for innovation usually places it at the top, but this year, the Model Q finds itself in second place. The excitement stems from its expected $18,000 price, which would make it one of the most affordable EVs available—nearly half the price of the Dacia Bigster.
Volkswagen ID.7 lands in third with 668K searches. As Volkswagen expands its ID lineup, the ID.7 has drawn considerable attention. Its price exceeds $64,000, and unlike the more budget-friendly models in the ranking, this electric sedan targets buyers looking for a high-end EV.
In fourth place, the Jeep Wagoneer S has captured 499K searches. This premium electric SUV is Jeep’s answer to the growing demand for off-road-capable EVs. It is also $8,000 more expensive than the Volkswagen ID.7, catering to those seeking a combination of rugged durability and electric efficiency.
The GMC Sierra EV Denali, ranking fifth with 428K searches, is the most expensive vehicle in the top 10. Despite its $85,000 price, interest in this electric pickup remains high. It costs nearly five times the price of Tesla’s Model Q, showing a strong market for both high-end and budget-friendly EVs.
Jeep Recon, ranking sixth, has generated 335K searches, nearly 100K fewer than the GMC Sierra EV Denali. This off-road EV, inspired by the Wrangler, is the second most expensive vehicle in the ranking at $79,000, only slightly cheaper than the GMC Sierra EV Denali.
Hyundai Ioniq 9, with 263K searches, takes seventh place. At $55,000, it is almost $24,000 cheaper than the Jeep Recon but still a pricier option compared to the Renault 5 Turbo 3E.
Renault 5 Turbo 3E ranks eighth with 251K searches. This hatchback revives the Renault 5 Turbo with an all-electric powertrain. Priced at $28,000, it is one of the most affordable EVs on the list. It costs nearly the same as the Tesla Model Q, making it an option for those looking for a compact, retro-styled electric vehicle.
In ninth place, the MINI Countryman SE attracted 231K searches. Designed for city drivers, this compact SUV offers electric mobility in an urban-friendly package. At $42,000, it sits between the more budget-friendly models among the high-end EVs.
Rounding out the top 10, the Mini Aceman has drawn 215K searches. This hatchback has both a familiar styling and an electric upgrade. Features like remote parking and a digital key make it a modern, practical choice for city dwellers. It costs just slightly more than the top-ranked Dacia Bigster, priced at $31,920.
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