Xpeng wins Guangzhou approval for citywide L4 robotaxi trials

· Automotive & EV · China

Xpeng has received approval to run L4 robotaxi trial operations across Guangzhou, initially opening access through invitation codes, which is a step toward public service. The approval extends a broader Chinese regulatory push: Volkswagen and Xpeng also won clearance to test self-driving systems on Chinese public roads. Both moves signal that regulators are moving past a robotaxi safety freeze imposed after a Baidu incident in Wuhan. Separately, Xpeng is preparing to ship its Mona L05 to 65 countries and regions, showing its ambitions reach beyond China. For newcomers, L4 means the vehicle can drive without a human fallback within set conditions; citywide coverage is a much larger footprint than earlier limited districts, and it tests whether robotaxi economics work at urban scale.

Why it matters：Citywide L4 approval for a major EV maker is a signal that China's robotaxi regulation is loosening after a safety scare, which will shape how quickly autonomous services scale globally.

Key points

  • Xpeng Yoyo was cleared for L4 trial operations across Guangzhou, expanding initially by invitation code.
  • Volkswagen and Xpeng also won approval to test self-driving systems on Chinese public roads.
  • The approvals follow a robotaxi safety freeze imposed after a Baidu incident in Wuhan.

Sources (original reporting)

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