Xpeng, a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand backed by German carmaker Volkswagen, is set to make its debut in Singapore by the second half of 2024. The EV maker has appointed Premium Automobiles as its distributor for the Singapore market. This marks the second Chinese EV brand that Premium represents, following Zeekr from Geely.

The first Xpeng model to hit Singaporean roads will be the G6, a sport utility vehicle (SUV) comparable in size to the Tesla Model Y. The G6 is expected to include a single motor version capable of covering 580 kilometers on a single charge. Premium Automobiles, which is also the retail partner of German car brand Audi, has confirmed that Zeekr remains on track to be launched in Singapore by the third quarter of 2024.

Xpeng's entry into Singapore coincides with the rising adoption of EVs in the country. In 2023, EVs accounted for 18.1% of total car registrations, up from 11.7% in 2022 and 3.8% in 2021. Xpeng is considered one of the strongest contenders against Tesla, although it delivered 141,600 units in 2023, a fraction of Tesla's 1.08 million units. The Chinese brand currently sells left-hand drive models in China, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.

As part of its global expansion strategy, Xpeng plans to launch right-hand drive models in the second half of 2024. Volkswagen holds a 5% stake in Xpeng, and the two companies are collaborating to develop two VW-branded models for the Chinese market. Xpeng is recognized by industry experts for its technology, design, and sophistication, alongside other well-regarded Chinese EV brands like Nio and Li Auto.

With Xpeng's arrival, Singapore will see an influx of Chinese car brands, including GAC Aion, which is set to launch in April. These additions will more than double the number of Chinese car brands available in Singapore compared to 2023. Notably, Chinese EV brand BYD was the fourth-best selling brand in Singapore in 2023, outperforming Nissan, Hyundai, and even Tesla.