Xpeng Motors’ P7 coupe has successfully undergone a unique test called the ‘nightmare difficulty’ on a four-poster test rig as part of an endurance and durability test at the Western Chongqing Automobile Test Center. Taking place in July 2019, the test continued non-stop for 300 hours, simulating a journey of 400,000km – equivalent to 10 round-the-world trips.
This is one of several dozens of tests that the P7 has gone through, which include road strength tests, integrated road analysis work and extreme temperature simulation tests.
The ‘nightmare difficulty’ four-poster durability test provides a comprehensive assessment of the vehicle body, chassis, interior and exterior, electronics, and assesses the durability of system structures such as electrical appliances and powertrains.
Thirteen different kinds of highly challenging high-intensity road surfaces were selected to recreate ‘nightmare road conditions’ on the test bench, including pebbly roads, potholes, and bouncing from pitfalls. The hydraulic cylinders of the test gantry were set to high speed, increasing the simulated distance.
After completion of the test, the P7 was completely disassembled and examined to assess fatigue, with zero tolerance for any slight fatigue fracture. The P7 passed this test with no signs of any stress fractures or damage.
“The P7’s successful completion of this ‘nightmare difficulty’ test underlines our design philosophy, that good enough is not good enough, and we aim to achieve and deliver the exceptional,” said Jack Xu, vice president of automotive at Xpeng Motors. “The P7’s superior construction and durability is as important as its cutting-edge electronic and autonomous driving systems in achieving the complete solution for the second-generation smart vehicle.”