Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng (NYSE: XPEV) this week started to deliver 100 G3 models to users in 28 cities and towns in Norway, marking its first step into the European market, the company said on its website on Monday. The G3 model, priced from NOK 358,000 (USD 41,000), can drive 520 kilometers without a second charge, and exhibits features such as voice interaction in English and intelligent parking.
“This week’s customer deliveries in Norway represent a key milestone in Xpeng’s aspirations to become a truly international smart EV brand,” said founder and CEO He Xiaopeng. “Our launch in Europe comes just as consumers are shifting in increasingly large numbers to more sustainable personal transport, and at a tipping point where governments around the world are stepping up their zero emission efforts.”
Electric vehicles have already become the norm in Norway and accounted for 58% of all car sales in March last year. Tesla’s mass market Model 3 is especially popular, with almost one third of all newly sold passenger vehicles in the country.
Delivery goes as far as the Arctic Circle, Xpeng said on its official Weibo account. The company is now actively exploring opportunities in other EV-mature markets with supportive government policies, advanced EV infrastructure and high EV awareness as the top priority. Xpeng revealed a plan to launch a second model, the P7 electric sports sedan, in Europe within the next 12 months.
Other Chinese EV makers are also eyeing the European market. BYD launched its Tang electric vehicle in Norway in July, at an event in Oslo, reaffirming plans to further expand on the continent. Delivery of the new model could start in January 2021, according to Chinese information portal Autohome. Nio intends to enter Europe in the second half of 2021, founder Li Bin is cited in Chinese media.