Xpeng and Huawei join hands again, this time focusing on range extension.

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Author | Wang Xiaojuan

Editor | Chai Xuchen

The ceiling of traditional range extension technology has been reached, and the ones breaking through it are two companies that once vied against each other in the field of intelligence.

On December 2, Xpeng and Huawei announced that the Xpeng X9 Super Range Extended model would debut Huawei's DriveONE high-voltage oil-cooled generator. This marks another in-depth collaboration following their joint launch of in-car AR-HUD technology in June. Unlike a standard supplier-purchasing relationship, this time Xpeng and Huawei adopted a “joint R&D” model.

Last month, Xpeng's first super range-extended model, the Xpeng X9 Extended Range edition, was officially launched. At the time, Xpeng Motors Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng introduced the outstanding performance of the X9 Extended Range edition, but revealed little about their partners.

In the new energy vehicle industry, range extension has long been criticized as “transitional technology,” with pain points such as excessive noise, power loss at high speed, and significant space occupation. By moving from pure electric to a dual-energy path of “pure electric + range extension,” Xpeng clearly refuses to build conventional extended-range models and instead aims to step into the “next generation of range extension.”

Back then, Xpeng discovered that the market lacked a generator that could simultaneously meet demanding technical requirements for high-voltage platforms, ultra-high integration, extreme efficiency, and silent operation.

Looking across the market, the HarmonyOS Intelligent Mobility lineup boasts many range-extended models, many of which have received significant recognition, indicating technological accumulation in range extension. Huawei DriveONE is also an intelligent electric drive system developed by Huawei for the new energy vehicle sector, primarily offering efficient power domain technical support for pure electric and range-extended models.

Against this backdrop, Xpeng X9 Super Range Extended debuted the DriveONE full-stack, highly integrated, high-voltage oil-cooled generator. As the “heart” of the next generation of range extension, its technical specs match the industry’s most stringent standards, with a continuous power density of 1.88kW/kg—over 40% higher than the industry leader; generation efficiency achieves at least 92% under operating conditions.

These key indicators support the outstanding performance of the Xpeng X9 Super Range Extended model, boasting a combined range of up to 1,602 kilometers, making it the world’s longest-range large seven-seat model.

In terms of power supply and driving experience, Huawei’s DriveONE full-stack, highly integrated, high-voltage oil-cooled generator can provide 75kW continuous generation power, serving as the system’s “strong heart.” Coupled with Xpeng’s independently developed 800V hybrid silicon carbide coaxial e-drive system (93.5% comprehensive efficiency), it allows for cruising at 150km/h without draining the battery.

For NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness), to address the range extender noise and vibration affecting ride comfort, Xpeng independently developed active cylinder-stop integrated matching technology, jointly calibrated with Huawei’s GCU control strategy. After 3 months and over ten rounds of joint matching and strategy optimization, it reduced the total value of vibrations during range extender start and stop by 60%.

The cooperation model between Xpeng and Huawei may become a new industry trend, signifying a shift in the smart EV supply chain from a “buy-sell relationship” to a “symbiotic relationship.” Under this new cooperation mode, technology sharing becomes possible—even in areas of competition.

Previously, automakers focused on “full-stack in-house R&D,” often resulting in high costs and slow technological iteration. Open cooperation enables optimal resource allocation, allowing consumers to access better products at more reasonable prices, and providing automakers with greater competitiveness amid market changes.

Within one hour of the Xpeng X9 Super Range Extension launch, it broke the all-day order record for Xpeng X9, with more than half the orders coming from northern regions and the Ultra version accounting for 79%. This means its first foray into range extension has already succeeded, marking early results in Xpeng’s strategic shift from “pure EV focus” to “dual-energy for every car.”

The X9 is just the beginning. At a financial results conference, He Xiaopeng revealed that Xpeng will launch seven range-extended models next year. Among them, three Super Range Extended models will be released in the first quarter of 2026.

Today’s joint R&D and strong partners will be key to Xpeng’s subsequent range-extended models gaining recognition. In the context of global competition, in-house tech development and open cooperation are no longer mutually exclusive; the strong joining forces to enter larger markets and head toward the future is the shared choice.

Risk Disclaimer and Limitation ClausesThe market contains risks; investment requires caution. This article does not constitute personal investment advice, nor does it consider any particular user's unique investment goals, financial situation, or needs. Users should consider whether any opinions, views, or conclusions herein fit their particular circumstances. Investment based on this is at your own risk. ```