Chinese autonomous driving technology firm DeepRoute.ai has raised $100 million from a domestic automaker to support wider adoption of its assisted driving systems in China.
The Shenzhen-based company expects nearly 200,000 vehicles equipped with its technology on Chinese roads by the end of 2025, up from the current 20,000, CEO Maxwell Zhou told Reuters.
“Our system is designed to navigate the complexities of Chinese urban traffic,” Zhou said, noting that DeepRoute.ai’s technology performs in settings with high volumes of pedestrians and scooters. The system aims to compete with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, which Tesla plans to launch in China.
DeepRoute.ai plans to introduce its system in over 10 vehicle models with automaker partners by 2025. Two additional models, including one from the smart brand co-owned by Geely and Mercedes-Benz, are set for consumer release this year.
The company intends to generate revenue through technology licensing fees and will leverage data collected from the vehicles to improve its AI’s performance in complex driving situations.
Founded in 2019, DeepRoute.ai has developed a mapping-free system that, according to Zhou, offers a cost advantage and could help produce smart EVs in China priced around 150,000 yuan ($21,063).
The company is also evaluating overseas markets, with Zhou noting potential demand in Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East by 2027-2028.
