Xpeng plans to launch its Mona Series in Europe in 2026

He Xiaopeng, chairman and CEO of the Chinese EV maker, told CNBC in an interview at the IAA Mobility in Munich on Monday that the company will launch the Mona series in Europe next year

On September 8, Xpeng Motors CEO He Xiaopeng told CNBC in an interview at the IAA Mobility in Munich that the company plans to roll out its mass-market Mona brand overseas next year and introduce multiple models to Europe and other markets by 2026. “By 2026, you will see multiple Mona products launched simultaneously in China, Europe, and other global markets,” He said, in comments translated by CNBC, marking the first time the company has disclosed a clear overseas timetable for Mona. 

"I believe by then, what we launch will be very proven and very excellent vehicles," He Xiaopeng said. These vehicles will likely be priced lower than some of Xpeng's higher-end models like the P7 and G6, CNBC noted. Xpeng has been stepping up its European push. Since entering Norway in 2020, the company has expanded into Germany, France, Italy and other markets. The company initially targeted coverage in 60 countries and regions by the end of 2025, a goal He said has already been achieved ahead of schedule. Xpeng initially positioned Mona as an independent brand but later shifted strategy to position it as a product lineup under the Xpeng brand. 

The Mona series' first model, the M03 electric sedan, was launched in China on August 27, 2024, with a starting price of 119,800 yuan ($16,820) - half the cost of Tesla's Model 3. The M03 name is meant to salute the Tesla Model 3, Mr. He said during the model's unveiling on July 3, 2024. On May 28 this year, Xpeng launched the Mona M03 Max variant, starting at 129,800 yaun, featuring driver assistance capabilities comparable to Tesla's FSD (Full Self-Driving) as standard. The Xpeng electric sedan measures 4,780 mm in length, 1,896 mm in width and 1,445 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,815 mm. For comparison, the latest Tesla Model 3 has a length, width, and height of 4,720 mm, 1,848 mm, and 1,442 mm, respectively, and a wheelbase of 2,875 mm. 

The model boasts a low drag coefficient of 0.194, the lowest for a mass-produced electric sedan, contributing to its impressive range of up to 620 km with a 62.2 kWh battery. The model offers two motor options with maximum powers of 140 kW and 160 kW and battery choices of 51.8 kWh or 62.2 kWh. The lightweight design, with the heaviest version weighing 1739 kg, contributes to its range and efficiency. 

Xpeng emphasizes that the vehicle’s aerodynamic design includes features like an active air intake grille, significantly reducing drag. Both the other versions use a more powerful 160 kW motor and all cars are front wheel drive. Maximum torque is 225 and 250Nm, respectively. All cars use lithium iron phosphate blade batteries from BYD subsidiary FinDreams. In the case of the 515 km range version, this uses a 51.8 kWh battery pack, whereas the other two versions use a 62.2 kWh pack. Curiously using this pack the car has either a 620 km range in the standard version or a lesser 580 km range for the Max version. 

The M03 Max features upgraded seating, with front-row seats offering three-way adjustable lumbar support using a triple-airbag system. This configuration is intended to improve posture and reduce fatigue during extended driving. The Max version runs Xpeng’s Turing AI Driving Assistance System and the company’s Tianji Smart Cockpit. The system provides voice interaction and scenario-based functions and supports over-the-air software updates. Performance specifications include a 160kW motor delivering 250Nm of torque. The M03 Max has a 62.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, providing a CLTC-rated range of up to 580 kilometres. Fast charging allows charging from 30% to 80% in approximately 26 minutes. The car’s drag coefficient is listed at 0.194 Cd, one of the lowest among mass-produced electric sedans.