Shanghai is set to launch public testing of autonomous vehicles (AVs) this week, offering free rides to residents as part of a trial spearheaded by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in collaboration with four other Chinese government departments.
Earlier in the month, these government bodies selected 20 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Shenzhen, to participate in a pilot program focused on “vehicle-road-cloud integration.” This initiative aims to seamlessly connect intelligent vehicles with roadside perception systems and cloud-based control mechanisms.
In Shanghai, the public testing will involve the use of AVs for ride-hailing services on designated roads in the Pudong New Area. This endeavor marks a significant step in China’s plan to accelerate the adoption of self-driving cars. The country has approved an initial group of nine automakers to conduct these tests on public roads, utilizing advanced autonomous driving technologies. The tests will feature Level 3 AD technologies, which enable drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel while automakers and fleet operators bear the responsibility for safety.
Prominent participants in this testing phase include well-known automakers such as BYD, Nio, Changan Automobile, GAC, and SAIC. Additionally, fleet operators, including ride-hailing companies, will play an active role in these tests.
Cui Dongshu, Secretary General of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), emphasized the significance of this initiative. He told the Global Times, “The active application and testing of AVs in Shanghai facilitate the effective deployment of autonomous driving technology in China, promoting China’s future societal development.”
The CPCA has assured that the testing process will be meticulously monitored, with each AV being accompanied by a safety officer. Moreover, the vehicles will be supported by remote control and cybersecurity personnel to address any operational challenges. The data collected during the tests will be critical in assessing the efficiency, safety, and reliability of the AVs.
Based on the test results, performance and operational adjustments can be made to refine the technology. Feedback from participants will be instrumental in this refinement process, as highlighted by the CPCA. Cui Dongshu also noted that Shanghai’s project sets a national example, paving the way for the broader commercialization of advanced autonomous driving technologies.
This trial marks a significant milestone towards the future utilization of Level 3 vehicles by individual fleet operators. In parallel, other cities like Beijing and Wuhan have also completed AV testing projects. As of July 8, Beijing boasts 116 autonomous test vehicles that have collectively logged nearly 2 million kilometers, according to Xinhua, China’s largest news agency.
Shanghai’s ambitious project exemplifies China’s commitment to advancing autonomous vehicle technology, fostering innovation, and setting the stage for a new era in transportation.
