China Auto Daily丨Haval Starts Raptor PLUS 7-seater Pre-sale from USD 28,100

Haval debuts its seven-seat Raptor PLUS while Pony.ai drastically reduces Robotaxi costs and Xpeng advances its global flying car strategy.

cls · 2026-04-26

Haval Raptor PLUS Seven-Seater Starts Pre-sale at Beijing Auto Show


During the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, Haval officially opened pre-sales for the Raptor PLUS seven-seater edition. The new model is offered in three configurations with a starting pre-sale price of RMB 193,800 (USD 28,100). This variant expands the Raptor family’s versatility, catering to larger families requiring off-road capability. The vehicle is equipped with the second-generation Hi4 intelligent four-wheel-drive electric hybrid technology and features a rear-axle electronically controlled mechanical tooth-embedded differential lock to ensure high-performance off-road maneuverability. The vehicle is equipped with a 44.7kWh battery pack, delivering a CLTC pure electric range of 252 km. For long-distance travel, the WLTC comprehensive range exceeds 1,000 km, balancing low-energy urban commuting with extended self-driving needs.



Pony.ai Announces 2027 Robotaxi and L4 Autonomous Light Truck


Pony.ai announced at the Beijing Auto Show that its 2027 version of the fully driverless Robotaxi will have a total vehicle cost controlled within RMB 230,000 (USD 33,300). Additionally, the company collaborated with CATL to release the first automotive-grade, fully redundant L4 autonomous light truck. The debut included the World Model 2.0 technical foundation, which covers diverse logistics scenarios ranging from urban delivery to trunk-line transport. The company revealed an aggressive global expansion plan, targeting service launches in over 20 cities worldwide by 2026. Pony.ai expects its total fleet size to exceed 3,000 units during this period, including the deployment of 1,000 Toyota bZ4X Robotaxis.



Xpeng CEO Outlines Global Vision for Second-Generation Flying Cars


On April 26, Xpeng Chairman and CEO He Xiaopeng discussed the brand's long-term commitment to flight technology at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show. He Xiaopeng noted that the company has invested 13 years into the R&D of its flying cars, currently in their seventh generation. The first commercial product is scheduled for release at the end of this year. The company is already in active negotiations to export its current flight technology to markets including the Middle East, Indonesia, and Malaysia, aiming to establish an early global footprint for urban air mobility. Simultaneously, Xpeng is developing a second-generation flying car specifically designed to meet the regulatory and market requirements of the United States, Europe, and China. According to He Xiaopeng, this next-generation product will prioritize international compatibility to ensure smoother market entry across different continents.


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