Xpeng is commonly known as the Chinese language challenger to Tesla for its efforts to deliver superior driving capabilities to its electrical autos. It’s now getting a step nearer to its American counterpart because it eliminates high-definition mapping in its XNGP assisted driving function, its equal to Tesla FSD.
Tesla FSD famously doesn’t depend on HD maps, which include many particulars corresponding to lane traces, curbs, visitors indicators and extra. Using this pre-computed info, mixed with sensors like radars and cameras, will help autonomous driving automobiles to know 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 remove lidars, the highly effective gentle detection and ranging methodology that’s a staple sensing expertise within the growth of self-driving automobiles.
Xpeng nonetheless makes use of lidars, nevertheless it’s taken on a technical problem by rolling out map-free XNGP in 20 Chinese language cities quickly, the corporate introduced at its tech day on Wednesday. Being map-free means Xpeng’s city assisted driving function 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 will likely be out there in 50 Chinese language cities.
It’s an attention-grabbing time to witness Xpeng’s tech growth progress as the corporate transitions into a brand new period after dropping its former head of autonomous driving to Nvidia.
Different autonomous car groups in China are additionally racing to take away the costly HD maps. Deeproute, which has shifted its focus from growing robotaxis to assisted driving for mass-produced passenger automobiles, unveiled its map-free autonomous driving resolution in March.