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The United States Government hasn’t been shy about its disdain for Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). From 100% tariffs to probable bans on Chinese software, American roads are less-than-welcoming to China’s cheap, plentiful EVs. Still, the country’s electric car market is exploding elsewhere. In fact, XPENG isn’t shy about making competitors for the Tesla Model Y and Cybertruck.

XPENG, the automaker behind many Chinese EVs, has models doing their very best Model Y and Cybertruck impressions

Recently, XPENG unveiled its AEROHT “Land Aircraft Carrier.” While that sounds like a land yacht-esque commentary on the vehicle’s sheer size and footprint, it’s more than that. The angular, six-wheeled truck conceals an aircraft module capable of carrying a passenger. Ergo, the XPENG electric truck is a literal aircraft carrier.

However, the massive EV truck also bears an instantly recognizable resemblance to what is perhaps the most controversially styled vehicle in America: the Tesla Cybertruck. From the horizontal LED lighting to the metallic paneling, the AEROHT Land Aircraft Carrier is a bit, well, derivative. Save for the flying machine and extra wheels of course. And with a gas-powered range extender onboard, the XPENG truck is more of an “extended-range electric vehicle” (EREV). 

Still, XPENG didn’t stop there. No, the XPENG G6 looks like the Chinese EV interpretation of the wildly popular Tesla Model Y. For starters, the G6 rides on the automaker’s new 800-volt Smart Electric Platform Architecture 2.0 (SEPA 2.0). Moreover, the Chinese EV SUV is the same width and just one inch longer than the closely comparable Model Y.

However, the G6 is far from a competitor for the Tesla Model Y from stoplight-to-stoplight. For instance, the 469-horsepower dual-motor G6 Performance AWD model can clear a run to 60 mph in about four seconds. Conversely, the Model Y Performance will do the deed in around 3.6 seconds.

As far as range goes, XPENG says the G6 will cover as much as 354 miles on the Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) scale. In comparison, the Model Y Long Range may cover up to 337 miles on the same scale.

That said, don’t expect to see Chinese EVs like the G6 or AEROHT Land Aircraft Carrier anytime soon. With 100% tariffs in place, even the attractive starting prices of cheap Chinese EVs won’t result in many imports.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).