Is This Under-the-Radar Stock an Even Better Bet on Humanoid Robotics Than Tesla?

Humanoid robots are no longer just a futuristic vision, they’re becoming an industrial necessity. Designed to replicate human movement and intelligence, these machines are revolutionizing manufacturing, improving efficiency, and accelerating production timelines. Automakers are increasingly investing in this technology, and with China eager to drive major breakthroughs, the race is heating up.

Tesla’s (TSLA) Optimus has captured global attention, but a serious contender is emerging. Xpeng (XPEV) charged into humanoid robotics in 2020, betting big on a two-decade journey to fuse artificial intelligence (AI) with mobility. In November 2024, it unveiled Iron, a humanoid robot designed to compete directly with Tesla’s Optimus. To fuel this ambition, Xpeng has committed up to $13.8 billion (100 billion yuan) to humanoid robotics, with the possibility of doubling down with an additional 50 billion to 100 billion yuan.

With such an aggressive push into AI-driven robotics, could Xpeng’s high-stakes investment make it a more compelling bet on the future of humanoid technology than Tesla? Let’s find out.

About Xpeng Stock

Xpeng (XPEV) is not just building EVs – it is racing toward a future where smart mobility meets global ambition. With a $20.5 billion market cap, the Guangzhou-based automaker entered the United Kingdom market in 2024 through a partnership with International Motors (IML) and expanded across 30 regions.

By the end of 2025, it’s gunning for 60 markets. Over the next decade, Xpeng expects half of its total sales to come from overseas markets, marking a major shift toward international dominance. Meanwhile, as China advances humanoid robotics to Level 3 automation, Xpeng is positioning itself at the forefront, integrating AI and mobility for a smarter, more autonomous future.

Over the past 52 weeks, XPEV stock skyrocketed by 151%, outperforming the S&P 500 Index’s ($SPX) 10.2% gains. In fact, over the past month, the stock rallied 17.9%, hitting a high of $27.16 on March 11. 

Despite its rapid rise, XPEV remains undervalued compared to TSLA. XPEV trades at just 3.7 times adjusted trailing sales, while TSLA sits much higher at 8.14x. The gap suggests that investors have not fully acknowledged XPEV’s potential, offering an opportunity to enter the stock wisely.

Xpeng Reported Narrowing Losses for Q4

​Xpeng reported a 23.4% year-over-year increase in fourth-quarter revenue, reaching 16.11 billion yuan. This growth was driven by a 52.1% rise in vehicle deliveries, totaling 91,507 units for the quarter. 

In addition to the year-over-year increase in revenue, the company reported a net loss of 1.33 billion yuan for the quarter, a slight improvement from the 1.35 billion yuan loss reported in the prior-year period. 

Looking ahead, Xpeng forecasts first-quarter vehicle deliveries between 91,000 and 93,000 units, representing a more than fourfold increase from the previous year. The company also anticipates first-quarter revenues between 15 billion yuan and 15.7 billion yuan, or year-over-year growth of as much as 139%. 

What Do Analysts Expect for XPeng Stock?

Citigroup has upgraded XPEV to “Buy” from “Neutral,” raising the target price from $13.70 to $29, implying upside of 38%. Analysts cited stronger-than-expected projected volumes for 2025 and 2026. 

The bullish revision comes amid rising demand for EVs in China, robust February orders, and Xpeng’s plans to launch multiple new models this year. Citi has also emphasized Xpeng’s advancements in AI and robotics as key long-term growth drivers, positioning the company at the forefront of next-generation mobility. 

Analysts maintain a broadly positive outlook on XPEV, with a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy.” Among 13 analysts covering the stock, six recommend a “Strong Buy,” one advises a “Moderate Buy,” five analysts are playing safe with a “Hold,” and one gives a “Strong Sell.” The stock currently trades above its mean price target of $20.21.