Nine Chinese Automakers Permitted To Test Level 3 Autonomous Driving

The Chinese government recently announced that it has allowed nine automakers to publicly test level 3 autonomous driving tech in said republic.

Nine companies have reportedly been permitted by the Chinese government to test their Level 3 autonomous driving systems on public roads.  

This decision follows approximately eight months after Chinese legislators established guidelines for the nationwide initiative and began accepting applications from firms seeking to trial their self-driving tech.

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China has confirmed the approvals for the following companies: Nio, BYD, Changan Auto, GAC, SAIC, BAIC BluePark, China FAW Group, SAIC Hongyan, and Yutong Bus. 

These companies are authorised to test autonomous vehicles on designated roads, allowing drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel.

GAC is one of nine companies allowed by the Chinese government recently to conduct public road tests using level 3 autonomous driving tech.

Although Level 3 semi-autonomous vehicles are not available in China yet, these tests are expected to facilitate the introduction of such systems to both individual buyers and fleet operators. 

According to Reuters, at least ten car manufacturers in China, including Huawei and Xpeng, currently sell vehicles equipped with Level 2 systems.

The testing program will be managed by several government bodies: the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and the Ministry of Public Security.

The recent allowance for level 3 autonomous driving tech tests in China could pave the way for Tesla to introduce its semi-autonomous driving system in said market too.

This new legislation also potentially enables Tesla to introduce its semi-autonomous driving systems in China. 

In May, Elon Musk hinted at the possibility of launching a fleet of robotaxis in China using Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology, ahead of making the technology available in privately owned vehicles. 

Chinese officials were reportedly receptive to this idea. However, Tesla will need to obtain approval to collect and transfer the data necessary for its autonomous systems before proceeding.

Also green-lit by the Chinese government for this is NEV-making giants BYD.

The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y have recently been permitted in certain areas of China that were previously restricted due to data security concerns. 

Tesla received clearance for these models to operate throughout the country after a leading Chinese automotive association confirmed their compliance with data security regulations. KR