China has granted approval to nine automakers to conduct tests on vehicles equipped with advanced autonomous driving technologies on public roads. This move is part of a broader plan to accelerate the adoption of self-driving cars in the country.
According to a statement from the industry ministry on Tuesday, the tests will focus on so-called level three autonomous driving technologies. Automakers involved in the tests include BYD, Nio, Changan Automobile, GAC, and SAIC, among others. Fleet operators, such as ride-hailing companies, will also participate in the tests.
See also: XPeng Aims for Level 4 Autonomous Driving in China by Next Year
China’s auto industry has defined five levels of autonomous driving, ranging from driver assistance features at level one to fully self-driving cars at level five. The country issued guidelines for a nationwide scheme last November, inviting companies to apply for permission to deploy more fully autonomous driving vehicles for mass adoption.
Under the plan, drivers in the test vehicles are permitted to take their hands off the steering wheel, with automakers and fleet operators assuming responsibility for safety. The ministry stated that the trials would pave the way for the further commercialization of more advanced autonomous driving technologies, without providing specific details.
See also: Baidu’s Apollo Go Becomes China’s First Autonomous Airport Ride Provider
Automaker executives see this as a step closer to allowing level three vehicles to be sold to individual buyers and fleet operators. Currently, at least 10 automakers and suppliers in China offer level two autonomous driving capabilities, which still require an attentive driver with hands on the wheel.
Additionally, Tesla is reportedly preparing to deliver its “Full Self-Driving” (FSD) software to Chinese users within the year. While FSD is also a level-two system, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has expressed confidence that more fully autonomous vehicles are on the horizon.
