Xpeng introduces AR windshield game to ease road rage

Xpeng has unveiled an augmented reality game designed to ease road range.

The Chinese automaker’s “Road Rage Reliever” feature projects emojis onto the windshield, creating the illusion of blasting them at other cars. Xpeng’s feature is reminiscent of Nintendo’s Mario Kart game, where drivers can throw objects at other competitors.

AR system turns windshield into 3D battleground

The company’s CEO, He Xiaopeng, described Road Rage Reliever as an example of “technology-driven emotion” during the debut of Xpeng’s P7 electric sedan. The system uses a customizable steering wheel button as a trigger, with onboard cameras identifying the target vehicle. When activated, emojis appear to explode across the windshield, simulating impact in three-dimensional space.

Huawei’s optics powers Xpeng’s AR game. The program uses an 87-inch-wide augmented reality heads-up display that stretches beyond the driver’s field of vision. Developers say the system tricks the brain into perceiving emojis as floating 33 feet in front of the car, creating a convincing illusion.

Safety concerns remain as road rage rises

The launch of Xpeng’s Road Rage Reliever feature comes amid alarming global increases in road rage incidents. According to the New York Post, consumer Affairs data shows that 92% of Americans witnessed road rage in 2024, while 89% experienced it firsthand. Violence linked to such events led to 116 people losing their lives in shootings that year.

While studies suggest heads-up displays can improve driver awareness compared to dashboard screens, experts note HUDs may also cause fixation and distraction. XPeng argues its AR system could actually boost response times by integrating visuals directly into the road environment.

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