The brand and model choices available for those wishing to own an electric vehicle (EV) continues to grow, and Australians are now able to consider yet another manufacturer entering the local fray.
This time it is Chinese manufacturer Xpeng, which has struck an exclusive partnership with TrueEV – a NSW-based business which focuses on EV products and services – to bring its range of vehicles to Australia.
That journey will start with the G6, a premium, mid-size SUV that offers some pretty tempting technology features along with some sharp performance.
The XPENG G6 line-up includes two variants: the G6 Standard Range Battery (with a 66kWh LFP battery) and the XPENG G6 Long Range Battery (with an 87.5kWh NCM battery). The G6 Standard offers a driving range of 435km (WLTP), while the G6 Long extends this out to 570 km.
Built on the latest generation of XPENG’s EV platform – SEPA 2.0 – with 800-volt technology, the G6 can be charged at up to 280kW, and the drive system delivers maximum power output of 190kW for the Standard and 210kW for the Long variant, with a maximum torque of 440Nm. Xpeng says the G6 Standard can sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds with the Long range variant doing so in a slightly swifter 6.7 seconds.
Both variants get a long list of features with the Xpeng website showing 20-inch wheels with Michelin tyres, panoramic glass roof, adjustable heated leatherette seats throughout, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, four USB ports, two 50W charging ports for smartphones, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability. Advanced driver assistance system features are sure to be comprehensive.
Both variants feature rear-wheel drive and are available in a range of colours including Arctic White, Silver Frost, Graphite Grey, Midnight Black, and Fiery Orange. Interior options come in either white or black.
TrueEV and Xpeng began accepting online pre-orders for the G6 back in mid-June, with customers able to secure their vehicle with a fully refundable deposit of $1000. Deliveries are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year with customers able to pick up their new EV from designated delivery centres in Sydney, Brisbane, or Melbourne, with home delivery available free of charge for most locations.
“We are beyond excited to announce our exclusive partnership with Xpeng to bring to the market a highly intelligent, stylish and technologically advanced electric vehicle that will excite and accelerate the adoption of EVs in Australia,” said Jason Clarke, CEO of TrueEV in a media release when announcing the agreement with Xpeng. “Xpeng is the highest quality intelligent EV that we could identify after an exhaustive search. We are confident that Xpeng’s product range and design features are ideally suited to the Australian market.
“This collaboration represents a significant leap forward in the Australian range of intelligent EVs available and will be supported with the roll out of superior charging technology and capability.”
Pricing for the G6 will be announced in September, but other media outlets have been guessing at a price around the $60,000 mark, which sounds pretty competitive for a premium EV with all the trimmings.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (July 2024)
24 July 2024