With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.
XPeng Starts Humanoid Robot Production
XPENG has begun operating what it describes as the world's first automated production line for advanced general-purpose humanoid robots, the company announced on September 8. The first robot has completed automated final assembly and independently walked off the line, marking a shift in XPeng's robotics business from R&D and prototypes toward manufacturing.
The production line was designed for mass production, combining automotive-grade quality standards with the precision manufacturing requirements of humanoid robots. More than 80% of its core manufacturing processes are automated, laying the groundwork for future large-scale production and rapid capacity expansion.
XPeng plans to begin mass production of its IRON humanoid robot by the end of 2026, initially deploying it in XPeng stores and industrial parks. The company expects to launch and deliver the robot in China and overseas markets in 2027.
The launch comes shortly after XPeng's robotics unit raised more than $900 million in its first funding round, valuing the business at over $6.3 billion.
Li Auto to Expand In-House Batteries Across Lineup
Li Auto plans to gradually roll out its in-house developed batteries across its entire vehicle lineup starting in the second half of 2026. The automaker began developing battery cells in 2020 and has since built capabilities spanning cells, battery packs and battery management systems, including its 5C fast-charging battery technology.
The company sees batteries and chips as key technology barriers for smart EVs and has been developing its own Mach chips since 2022. Its strategy is to bring more core technologies in-house, following the approach of technology companies such as Apple and Huawei.
Li Auto's self-developed batteries are already used in the L8, L6 and i8, with more models set to follow. For the new MEGA, vehicles locked in after 3 p.m. on September 7 will switch from CATL's 5C ternary lithium battery to Li Auto's own 5C battery, with deliveries expected to begin in November. The upcoming i9 will initially use CATL batteries before switching to Li Auto's batteries as production ramps up.
The 2026 Li i6, scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter, will feature both Li Auto's 5C battery and Mach chip. Reservations are expected to open in late September, with deliveries starting in early November. The move marks a broader push by Li Auto to combine product development with greater control over key technologies.
Xiaomi SkyNomad Tops 10,000 Orders in Four Minutes
Xiaomi has launched its third EV product line, SkyNomad, a range-extended SUV, with more than 10,000 locked-in orders within just four minutes of going on sale on September 7.
The SkyNomad lineup includes four models priced from RMB 209,900 to RMB 299,900. The N70 is positioned as a five-seat midsize-to-large range-extended SUV, while the larger N90 is a seven-seat flagship SUV aimed at family buyers.
The launch expands Xiaomi's EV portfolio beyond battery-electric sedans and SUVs into the range-extended vehicle segment and large three-row family SUV market. It also comes as Xiaomi's cumulative vehicle deliveries surpassed 800,000 units as of September 7, achieved in roughly two and a half years since deliveries of its first model, the SU7, began.
The rapid order intake and delivery growth highlight the momentum of Xiaomi's automotive business as the technology company continues to expand its presence in China's highly competitive EV market.
