RTI Connext Drive chosen for vehicle communications

Beginning with the 2026 production models, Connext Drive will manage the complex data distribution in XPENG vehicles, supporting the company’s mission to create smarter, more efficient and future-ready vehicles equipped with the latest technologies.

“XPENG required a communication framework that supports a unified architecture across all of our designs - one that could manage the intense data requirements across a diverse range of XPENG models, from high-end to entry-level vehicles,” said Yu Peng, Vice President, XPENG. “RTI Connext Drive stood out as a flexible, highly-reliable and production-proven middleware. In addition, RTI’s impressive leadership within the DDS standard domain and its decades ofexperience with complex systems will help XPENG to accelerate design and reduce risk as we develop our future vehicles.”

Based on the Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, Connext Drive is a software framework that handles large volumes of data in real time, ensuring seamless communication between vehicle systems, regardless of supplier.

Its platform-independent architecture and ability to manage complex communication flow provides the data backbone to integrate and run automotive systems, such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) or autonomous driving features, without overhauling existing infrastructure. This adaptability ensures that XPENG can incorporate technologies into future models without the need to re-write code.

“As XPENG continues to push the boundaries of automotive innovation, RTI is proud to provide the communication middleware for all XPENG models, starting in 2026,” added Thomas Bloor, Director of Automotive, RTI. “Connext Drive provides the platform independence and reliability needed to enable communications across XPENG’s vehicle range, while also offering the scalability and flexibility to enable advanced AI solutions as their technology evolves.”

XPENG is a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer that combines cutting-edge technology with advanced manufacturing to deliver high-performance electric vehicles that cater to a wide range of customers, from high-end models to more accessible options.