Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV) has made headlines with a recent announcement of a massive recall involving tens of thousands of P7+ electric sedans. This move, a rare occurrence among Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers, underscores the company’s commitment to safety and quality control.
According to a statement released on China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) website, Xpeng will recall a total of 47,490 P7+ electric sedans manufactured between August 20, 2024, and April 27, 2025. The recall is set to commence on September 15 and aims to address a potential steering issue in some of the affected vehicles.
Specifically, the recall is necessary due to poor contact in the steering assist motor sensor wiring harness, which may lead to steering assist failure. This could result in the illumination of the steering malfunction warning light and pose a safety hazard to drivers. To mitigate this risk, Xpeng will replace the steering assembly with an improved version at no cost to the owners of the affected vehicles.
This recall marks a departure from the norm for domestic EV manufacturers in China, with such actions typically associated with foreign automakers like Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. The P7+ model, which was officially launched on November 7, 2024, has been a key contributor to Xpeng’s success in the EV market.
With cumulative deliveries reaching 72,546 units by the end of August, including 4,847 units in August alone, the P7+ has been a popular choice among consumers. The model’s competitive starting price of RMB 186,800 ($26,230) has been a significant factor in its strong sales performance over the past year.
Notably, from January to August, the P7+ accounted for 20.26 percent of Xpeng’s total deliveries, with 55,039 units being delivered during this period. The mid-to-large-size electric sedan boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 5,056 mm in length, 1,937 mm in width, and 1,512 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm.
In a strategic move, Xpeng has opted to forego LiDAR technology in the P7+, transitioning its smart driving system to a pure vision solution similar to Tesla’s approach. Looking ahead, reports suggest that Xpeng is gearing up to launch an extended-range version of the P7+ in 2026, featuring a battery capable of supporting a 5C charging rate and offering an expected range of 400 kilometers.
In addition to the P7+, Xpeng has already filed for extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) versions of its X9 MPV and G7 SUV, signaling the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the EV space. The future looks bright for Xpeng as it continues to push the boundaries of electric mobility and solidify its position as a leader in the industry.