XPeng names robotaxi Yoyo and opens invitation code registration

XPeng (XPEV) named its robotaxi Yoyo on October 8 and opened online registration in China through invitation codes. For passengers hoping to try it, that means a route into its testing program, while the company’s announcement leaves the date for unrestricted public rides unspecified. According to an October 8 report from IT时代网 citing XPeng’s mobility business, nonemployees with invitation codes can now order rides online through the “小鹏YOYO自动驾驶” mini program. The report does not explain who qualifies for a code or how applicants are selected, and XPeng’s announcement does not spell out the registration steps or guarantee a ride after registration.

There’s a working ride process behind the new name. In July, XPeng published a video showing CEO He Xiaopeng and robotaxi business chief Yuan Tingting completing an internal trip from online booking through pickup and arrival, described in its July 14 announcement. Its May 18 production announcement identified the vehicle as based on the GX platform, using a camera based driving system without lidar or high definition maps. Those are company reported milestones and design choices, rather than an independent assessment of driving safety.

What the testing permission covers

XPeng says it obtained Guangzhou remote testing qualifications in August, allowing road tests without a safety operator in the driver’s seat on designated classes of test roads. That is the permission described in today’s release; it does not establish authorization for unrestricted, paid passenger service. The announcement also leaves fleet size, service boundaries and operating hours unspecified.

The timeline helps separate the invitation program from the larger promise. In May, XPeng said it planned pilot operations during the second half of 2026 and aimed for fully autonomous operations without an on site safety officer by early 2027. CnEVPost reports that He reiterated a 2027 target for passenger services without safety drivers on the August earnings call. Both are company targets, not confirmed launch dates.

XPeng’s proposed business model puts local operations in partners’ hands, while it earns from vehicles, services and a share of revenue. It is entering a city where passengers already have robotaxi services: a January 30 report published on Guangzhou’s science and technology bureau website described Pony.ai (PONY) operating four autonomous passenger routes, including airport and railway station connections, with app reservations and fares comparable to conventional ride hailing. Watch next for XPeng’s passenger service permissions and a published booking area.