XPENG names YOYO robotaxi service and opens invitation-based registration in China
XPENG announced its robotaxi brand YOYO and began invitation-based online registration in China, signaling a step toward broader driverless taxi services. The company says YOYO will operate with its own AI chips and software stack, and will expand beyond internal testing as it seeks regulatory permissions and partner fleets.
What changed
XPENG designated the robotaxi service under the brand name YOYO on October 8. It also opened online registration to potential riders in China via invitation codes, signaling a broader rollout beyond its internal tests.
Key facts about YOYO and testing
YOYO is described as XPENG’s robotaxi service. The vehicles use four XPENG-developed Turing AI chips with a combined computing capacity of 3,000 TOPS (trillion operations per second). The system runs the VLA 2.0 software stack and operates without lidar or high-definition maps. XPENG obtained permission in August to conduct road testing in Guangzhou without a safety driver in the seat. The first robotaxi was produced in May, and the company has previously tested booking and payment internally at a nominal fare.
Who could be affected
Potential riders in China who receive an invitation code may be eligible to try the YOYO robotaxi service. Local fleet operations are expected to be managed by XPENG's partners, with revenue models including vehicle sales, services, and commissions. Employees and early testers have already conducted internal trials, suggesting a pipeline from testing to public operation pending regulatory approvals and partnerships.
Practical next steps for interested readers
If you are interested in YOYO, monitor official XPENG announcements for invitation codes, dates for broader signups, and any safety guidance. For potential riders, be aware that access relies on codes and local regulatory approvals. For investors or partners, observe XPENG’s statements about revenue streams including services and commissions, as well as plans for fleet management by regional partners and the pace of regulatory permission for broader operations.
Limits and questions to watch
Details about how the system handles safety, what sensors are in use (no lidar per the company’s description), and how maps are used or avoided are still being clarified. It is not yet stated when YOYO will operate widely or in which Chinese cities beyond Guangzhou. Readers should note that the information reflects what XPENG publicized and may evolve with regulatory reviews and partnerships.
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- technode.com — evidence source reviewed for this article.
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