Xpeng is usually referred to as the Chinese language challenger to Tesla for its efforts to convey superior driving capabilities to its electrical automobiles. It’s now getting a step nearer to its American counterpart because it eliminates high-definition mapping in its XNGP assisted driving characteristic, its equal to Tesla FSD.
Tesla FSD famously doesn’t depend on HD maps, which comprise many particulars corresponding to lane strains, curbs, visitors indicators and extra. Using this pre-computed data, mixed with sensors like radars and cameras, will help autonomous driving vehicles to grasp the street higher and thus drive extra safely.
Tesla not solely opted out of HD maps but in addition made the controversial transfer to additionally eradicate lidars, the highly effective gentle detection and ranging technique that’s a staple sensing know-how within the improvement of self-driving vehicles.
Xpeng nonetheless makes use of lidars, however it’s taken on a technical problem by rolling out map-free XNGP in 20 Chinese language cities quickly, the corporate announced at its tech day on Wednesday. Being map-free means Xpeng’s city assisted driving characteristic can drive wherever, limitless by the place maps have been made or street situation updates. By the tip of this 12 months, the map-free XNGP can be obtainable in 50 Chinese language cities.
It’s an attention-grabbing time to witness Xpeng’s tech improvement progress as the corporate transitions into a brand new period after dropping its former head of autonomous driving to Nvidia.
Different autonomous automobile groups in China are additionally racing to take away the costly HD maps. Deeproute, which has shifted its focus from creating robotaxis to assisted driving for mass-produced passenger vehicles, unveiled its map-free autonomous driving resolution in March.