Chinese Tesla rival Xpeng launched 'the world's fastest-charging electric SUV.' See the sleek, $43,800 G9.

Chinese Tesla rival Xpeng launched 'the world's fastest-charging electric SUV.' See the sleek, $43,800 G9.

Chinese electric-vehicle startup Xpeng on Wednesday launched the G9, a sleek, fast-charging SUV that should help it compete with Tesla, BYD, and other EV heavyweights.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

The young company unveiled the G9 last year but just announced new details about the tech-packed model as it prepares to start customer deliveries.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

Depending on the specific version chosen, the G9 will cost buyers between $43,800 and $66,400 in China (at current exchange rates).

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

That pricing matches Tesla’s popular Model Y, more or less. In China, Elon Musk’s small SUV costs around $45,000 for a base model and $59,000 for a sportier version.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

Anyone who’s considered buying an
electric car knows driving range is everything these days.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

The G9 doesn’t disappoint on that front, according to estimates Xpeng provided.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

The SUV promises to travel an impressive 702 kilometers (436 miles) per charge in its longest-range trim.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

Base models can drive 570 kilometers (354 miles) between fill-ups, Xpeng says.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

Charging up should be a breeze, too. According to Xpeng, buyers won’t need to sit and wait for ages while their EV slowly replenishes its
battery pack.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

Some models will be able to add 124 miles of driving range after just five minutes plugged into one of Xpeng’s high-powered charging stations.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

Like Tesla, Xpeng is building out its own charging network. It has 1,000 locations in China and plans to add another 500 stations featuring its highest-powered plugs in 2023.

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Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

Tesla owners can expect to add up to 200 miles in 15 minutes of charging at a Supercharger, the company says.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

Lucid Motors, a startup, says its debut
luxury sedan can add 300 miles of range in 22 minutes, under optimal conditions.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

Standard G9 models aim to recharge their battery packs from 10% to 80% in a brief 15 minutes.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

The SUV will also have bidirectional-charging capability, allowing it to share battery power with outside appliances and devices.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

In addition to speedy acceleration, solid range, and impressive charging speeds, the G9 gets smooth, upscale styling with flush door handles.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

The interior looks sufficiently swanky.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

It includes calf rests for front passengers…

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

… an expansive touchscreen …

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

… and
colorful ambient lighting throughout.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

The steering wheel has an unusual two-spoke design, rather than the usual three.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

It promises to navigate highways (including interchanges), change lanes, and automatically drive to saved parking spots.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng

The G9 goes on sale in China in October, followed by international markets.

Xpeng G9 electric SUV.

Xpeng G9.
Xpeng