Casablanca – Morocco’s electric vehicle (EV) market is set for significant growth with the entry of Chinese automaker Xpeng, a company specializing in battery-powered electric cars. The move comes as Morocco accelerates its transition toward clean energy in both production and consumption, positioning the country as an emerging hub for sustainable mobility in Africa.

Xpeng has formalized its entry into Morocco through a partnership with SMEIA, a leading local distributor of luxury vehicles. The company cited Morocco’s status as one of Africa’s largest car manufacturers, with a fully integrated automotive sector, as a key factor in its decision to expand there.

According to Electrive, a platform tracking developments in electric vehicles, Xpeng has also signed a similar partnership in Tunisia with XP CARS Tunisia, a local distributor focusing on luxury models. This expansion follows the company’s earlier entry into Egypt, where it launched its G6 and P7 models in 2024, becoming the first Chinese EV brand to sell battery-powered electric vehicles in the country.

In Morocco, SMEIA will serve as Xpeng’s strategic partner, leveraging its extensive experience in luxury car distribution to support the brand’s operations. An independent Xpeng team will oversee local activities, aiming to capture a share of the growing market for high-end electric vehicles. In Tunisia, XP CARS Tunisia brings experience in introducing both luxury and electric vehicles, while offering comprehensive after-sales support to individual and corporate customers.

Wang Ke, Xpeng’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, highlighted Africa’s importance to the company’s global strategy. “Africa is a core pillar of Xpeng’s international ambitions,” he said, emphasizing that Morocco’s integrated automotive industry and Tunisia’s strategic location near Europe provide a strong foundation for market coverage across North Africa.

Electrive notes that Xpeng currently commands over 30% of the luxury EV segment in markets where it is active, and the company views its North African operations as a stepping stone for potential expansion into sub-Saharan Africa, including countries such as South Africa and Kenya. While specific models for Morocco and Tunisia have not yet been confirmed, the company’s track record in Egypt indicates a focus on premium battery-electric vehicles.

Xpeng’s expansion into Morocco and Tunisia underscores the growing opportunities for electric mobility in Africa. Morocco, in particular, is emerging as a strategic gateway, combining strong industrial capabilities with a rising consumer interest in clean-energy transportation. By entering these markets, Xpeng aims to establish a robust North African presence that can support future growth across the continent.

As governments and consumers in the region increasingly embrace sustainable transportation, the arrival of new players like Xpeng is expected to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, stimulate competition, and enhance the technological landscape of Africa’s automotive industry.