In a pivotal moment for China's EV industry, XPeng announced on December 31 that its 2026 P7+ and G7 models will feature the second-generation VLA (Visual-Language-Action) system, boasting 2250 TOPS AI chip power amid debates over '10万+ tests' claims by new energy vehicle makers. This comes as 2025 saw China's NEV penetration hit 56.6% in November, nearing 60%, with L3 autonomous driving approvals and strict ad regulations reshaping the market. These developments underscore the shift from quantity-driven hype to quality-focused innovation in testing, intelligence, and sustainability.
The 10万 Tests Debate: Marketing Hype or Industry Necessity?
Chinese EV makers touting 'over 100,000 tests' before launch has sparked controversy—supporters hail it as engineering prowess, skeptics call it a numbers game. Experts like test engineer Zhang Mo explain it's inevitable due to EVs' evolution from mechanical to electronic-software products.
- Testing Expansion: Traditional ICE vehicles needed dozens of checks; NEVs add 150-200 battery tests alone, plus motor, controller, and smart driving validations per ISO 21448 and SAE J3016 standards.
- Three Highs (Hot, Humid, Cold) Evolution: Now includes battery低温续航, LiDAR in -30°C fog, and sensor fusion—exponential growth from mechanical focus.
- Layered Approach: Parts (e.g., seat rigidity), systems, whole vehicle, and simulations stack up to 100k items realistically.
However, 'water' exists: repeated scenarios (e.g., ACC at varying speeds), loose sim-to-real correlations (e.g., 50°C sim vs. 65°C real Turpan heat), and user-irrelevant metrics like 0.1% motor error over voice recognition delays.
Hardcore vs. Fluff Tests:
| Category | Hardcore Examples | Fluff Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 100°C heat runaway, needle-pierce | -40°C static soak (not overnight park) |
| ADAS | Extreme fog/pedestrian fusion | Speed variants in straight lines |
| User Experience | Wireless charging on popular phones | AC cooling speed in lab |
True value lies in user scenarios like -30°C starts for northern drivers or high-temp decay for southern ones.
XPeng's Bold VLA Upgrade: End-to-End AI Powerhouse
XPeng counters testing skepticism with tangible tech: 2026 P7+ (pure EV/EREV, 104 upgrades, global 36-country launch) and G7 Super EREV SUV (1704km total range, 430km pure EV, 800V 5C battery, Q1 2026 debut).
- Second-Gen VLA Highlights:
- Self-developed Turing AI chip: 2250 TOPS (industry-high effective compute), 12x inference efficiency, 10x parameters.
- Direct visual-to-action output—no language translation needed.
- First mass-produced physical world model for cars, robots, flying vehicles.
- Design Upgrades: P7+ features star-wing lights, suspended roof, star-mirror blue paint (10% glossier via BASF tech), AGS grille, 20" wheels.
This positions XPeng as an intelligence leader amid rivals like NIO, Zeekr, and BYD.
2025 China EV Market: Top 10 Signals of Restructuring
2025 marked China's auto shift to 'high-quality development':
- L3 Production Unlocked: End-of-year approvals shift liability to OEMs, boosting sensor/chip demand.
- NEV Penetration Nears 60%: 56.6% in Nov; BYD consolidates lead, fuel cars face elimination.
- ADAS Ad Crackdown: Bans 'self-driving' hype, forcing real safety focus.
- Zero-KM Used Car Purge: Targets gray-market arbitrage, stabilizing prices (e.g., Great Wall spotlight).
- HK IPO Boom: Celis, Chery, CATL, Pony.ai, Hesai list for funding amid tight private capital.
- 60-Day Pay Terms: Supply chain stress test for efficiency.
Market Snapshot:
| Metric | 2025 Highlight | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| NEV Share | 56.6% (Nov) | Mainstream era |
| L3 Status | Production greenlit | Safety > hype |
| Listings | 10+ HK IPOs | Capital lifeline |
Why This Matters: Global Implications
China's EV rigor—rigorous testing, AI leaps like XPeng VLA, L3 rollout—signals maturity. Globally, it pressures Tesla/Waymo on cost-effective intelligence while exporting standards (XPeng's 36-country P7+). NEV dominance challenges oil reliance, but demands V2G/charging upgrades. Testing 'value over volume' ensures safer exports amid EU tariffs.
Looking Ahead: Precision Testing and AI Dominance
Breakthroughs need: core test lists, sim-real linkage (e.g., VIL platforms), talent in Python/sensor skills. XPeng's VLA could redefine ADAS, but L3 liability and regs will winnow players. Expect 2026: 60%+ NEV share, hybrid surges (G7's 1704km), and testing focused on user pain points—ushering sustainable Chinese EV leadership.
