# Xpeng, the Chinese electric vehicle start-up often cast as a key rival to Tesla, has set an ambitious goal to surpass the US carmaker’s self-driving capabilities in China by August.

*genai · news · 2026-04-25 · South China Morning Post*

## Key points

- Xpeng aims to surpass Tesla's self-driving capabilities in China by August 2024.
- Xpeng's Vision Language Action system reportedly already outperforms Tesla in some complex scenarios.
- Tesla's Full Self-Driving system is not yet approved for use in China.
- Chinese regulators are encouraging carmakers to innovate beyond competing on price.

**Companies:** Tesla, Xpeng
**Countries:** China, United States

[Read the full story on South China Morning Post](https://www.scmp.com/business/china-evs/article/3351400/xpeng-sets-august-goal-overtake-teslas-self-driving-tech-china)

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