Xpeng Motors launched the Xpeng P5 in China on 15 September 2021. The P5 is the automaker’s third production model, and deliveries in the China market will commence at the end of October 2021.
The model has sent shock waves across Europe because of its’ unique low price. Cost of Electric cars have been traditionally been higher, but it looks to have reached the point of not only matching ICE vehicles, but actually beat them where it matters the most. Especially in Africa and Kenya specifically where used cars of up to 8 years are retailing at similar prices.
Including subsidies in China, the Xpeng P5’s prices start at Kshs. 2,659,000 and go up to Kshs. 3,771,201 for the highest spec model that can travel 600Km with a single charge. It’s a threat to Tesla’s locally manufactured Model 3, which costs Kshs. 4,240,000 before subsidies in the base configuration.
This makes it an attractive preposition for emerging economies. Most corporates with fleets of vehicles for their staff and activities will be looking at this car closely to see if the Chinese maker will send some to Kenya or set up an assembly plant in the region. Maintanance and fuel costs budgets should dictate the urgency to look at more affordable options.
Xpeng P5 specifications & variants
Xpeng Motors offers the P5 in six configurations. A single electric motor generating 155 kW of power and 310 Nm of torque is standard. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h takes 7.5 seconds, and the top speed is 170 km/h. Depending on the configuration, the range (NEDC) varies between 460 and 600 km.
| Xpeng P5 Specification | P5 460G | P5 460E | P5 550G | P5 550E | P5 550P | P5 600P |
| Battery Pack Capacity (Total) | 55.9 kWh | 55.9 kWh | 66.2 kWh | 66.2 kWh | 66.2 kWh | 71.4 kWh |
| Range (NEDC) | 460 km | 460 km | 550 km | 550 km | 550 km | 600 km |
| Fast-charging Time (30-80% SoC) | ≥ 30 min | ≥ 30 min | ≥ 35 min | ≥ 35 min | ≥ 35 min | ≥ 38 min |
Conclusion
In summary this is truly a game changer and a winner in any book. This is a sign of things to come in terms of lower costs for full electric vehicles. Perhaps we should be looking towards China if we are to get value for money.
