XPENG Launches “YOYO” Robotaxi

This news is about electric vehicles and self-driving cars, not home energy upgrades, so it does not affect your house or any rebate programs. For context, here is what happened: the Chinese automaker XPENG has launched a new robotaxi brand called YOYO. The company opened online registration for the service to the public in China through invitation codes, moving the project from testing into what it calls commercial operation.

The YOYO robotaxi looks similar to a Kia EV9 with sportier styling. XPENG says it runs on in-house computer chips and software that let the car drive itself without relying on detailed pre-made maps or the laser sensors (lidar) many self-driving systems use. The company says each vehicle has very high onboard computing power, and the system is meant to be deployed quickly in different cities. Riders can set cabin temperature and turn on a scent feature before boarding, and the inside includes reclining seats, massage functions, and a large entertainment screen.

The company says this follows earlier steps this year, including a factory launch in May, test rides in low-cost pilot runs, and approval in August to test cars on certain roads without a human safety driver present. None of this involves a product, program, or rebate relevant to home energy efficiency.