Xpeng and Alibaba’s Amap Forge Alliance to Launch Robotaxi Fleet

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Xpeng has announced a strategic alliance with Alibaba’s mapping service, Amap to introduce a fleet of autonomous robotaxis.

The company said it will deploy three different robotaxi models developed in-house, with trial operations slated to begin in 2026. These driverless cars will be integrated directly with Amap’s mapping and routing systems to provide coordinated ride-hailing services.

Amap — which already supplies navigation data to autonomous operators including WeRide and Pony.ai — will act as the principal mapping and traffic-data backbone for Xpeng’s service. The integration is intended to improve route accuracy, traffic handling and operational safety for the autonomous fleet.

Beyond domestic tests, Xpeng outlined an ambition to establish a global robotaxi network in partnership with Amap. The companies have not detailed specific international markets or timelines, but signalled intent to expand beyond China.

The announcement comes as China’s autonomous vehicle sector accelerates, with multiple EV makers moving to commercialise driverless mobility. By pairing Xpeng’s vehicle engineering with Amap’s navigation capabilities, the partnership aims to field a scalable robotaxi service that could reshape urban transport patterns.