Tesla competitor Reveals Interest In Indian EV market, Eyes ADAS Future

Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng has revealed it is keeping a close watch on India's rapidly evolving EV sector, hinting at possible plans to enter the market in the future. While no official timeline has been shared, the company has acknowledged the promise the country holds, despite it being a complex and uniquely challenging environment for global automotive players. With its eyes set on emerging markets worldwide, Xpeng continues to develop high-tech mobility solutions, including autonomous driving systems, electric MPVs, flying cars, and humanoid robots—all of which point to the firm’s broader global ambitions.

Watching India Closely, But No Formal Timeline Yet
At a recent media interaction, a senior executive from Xpeng confirmed the company’s active interest in India’s electric mobility shift. However, he also noted that an entry into the Indian market is not imminent. “It’s a market we are monitoring,” he said, acknowledging the differences between Indian roads and other markets. “China has dense traffic, but India is something else entirely.”

The company is currently assessing how best to approach the Indian customer base, given the country's high traffic variability, road conditions, and regulatory frameworks. Despite the complexities, Xpeng recognises that India's increasing EV adoption makes it an attractive long-term destination.

Xpeng’s Global Strategy and Innovation Edge
Xpeng has already made a name for itself in the electric vehicle sector across China, Europe, and Australia, largely due to its focus on AI-powered technologies and cutting-edge design. The brand is positioning itself not just as a car manufacturer but as a pioneer in future mobility.

One of its most talked-about upcoming innovations is a flying car, slated for release in 2026. The same year, the company also intends to begin production of humanoid robots, signalling a bold move into mobility-adjacent industries and intelligent automation.

In markets where Xpeng is already operational, it has carved a niche for offering premium EVs at comparatively accessible prices, loaded with smart features. The brand’s strong emphasis on intelligent systems and future-oriented development may give it an edge in new markets, including India, once it decides to enter.

The Case for the X9 in India
A prime example of Xpeng’s value proposition is the X9, the company’s flagship electric MPV. Currently available in China, the X9 offers a combination of space, range, and technology that stands out even among luxury EVs. The top-end version is priced at around Rs 49 lakh in China—substantially lower than many high-end electric vehicles available in India today, which can easily cross Rs 1.5–2 crore.

Even with added import duties, Xpeng believes it could still offer Indian consumers a compelling deal—more features and space at a more competitive price point. If this model or a similar one were introduced in India, it could significantly disrupt the upper-mid EV segment by offering more for less.

ADAS Expansion a Long-Term Possibility
Another key area of focus for Xpeng is its proprietary Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which offer features such as adaptive cruise control, lane assistance, and automated navigation. The company has no immediate plans to introduce this technology in India, but the door remains open.

“India presents a very different challenge. ADAS in India would require adaptation. We're first focusing on launching our ADAS tech in Europe and Southeast Asia,” the executive said. “But our vision is to eventually make our technology available to customers worldwide including India.”

The unique driving conditions in India mean that any autonomous or semi-autonomous driving features would need significant localisation before being rolled out. However, as infrastructure improves and regulation matures, the integration of such technologies could become more feasible.

The Road Ahead
While Xpeng is not rushing into the Indian market, its strategic observation of the sector suggests that it is laying the groundwork for future entry. As India continues to push for cleaner transportation and expands its EV infrastructure, global brands with a tech-driven approach may find fertile ground.

For now, Xpeng will continue to monitor developments, but given its bold innovations and proven ability to undercut rivals on pricing without compromising on tech, its eventual arrival in India could shift the dynamics of the EV market significantly.