The feedback come after know-how information web site 36Kr reported that Xpeng had assembled a small group to develop semiconductors.

Xinzhou Wu, vp answerable for autonomous driving at Xpeng, stated the corporate is wanting into numerous applied sciences, together with autonomous driving chips.

“Effectively, I can’t say an excessive amount of about that … the competitors in China market is fierce … so we’re all choices. What are the most effective methods to maintain our benefit within the competitors? So up to now we’re doing very nicely in software program,” Wu advised CNBC on Wednesday.

“However shifting ahead we’re all doable choices: how you can hold us … successful this competitors,”

Wu didn’t give additional particulars.

Xpeng launched a brand new electrical sedan referred to as the P5 on Wednesday. The automobile is provided with Lidar or or Gentle Detection and Ranging know-how, which makes use of lasers to map the automobile’s environment.

That is essential to allow a few of the P5’s autonomous driving options which might be in-built.

Presently, the P5 makes use of chips from Nvidia for autonomous driving and Qualcomm for its in-car digital cockpit.

Designing its personal semiconductors might give Xpeng extra management over the combination between its {hardware} and software program.

The corporate has been specializing in growing know-how in-house as a method to differentiate from rivals in China’s crowded electrical automobile market. Not solely is Xpeng competing with conventional automakers and start-ups, however an growing variety of know-how firms akin to Baidu and Xiaomi have additionally jumped into the fray.

Wu claimed the P5’s {hardware} and software program and “usability of the general options is far more superior” than its opponents — and that may give the corporate an “edge.”

Chinese language know-how firms have been placing an growing concentrate on growing their very own semiconductors. Baidu final month raised cash for its chip enterprise and Xiaomi unveiled a brand new chipset for the digicam on its newest flagship smartphone.