A key milestone for self driving technology has been reached in China as regulators have approved the country’s first Level 3 autonomous vehicles, opening the door for more advanced automation on public roads.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has confirmed that Changan Automobile and BAIC have received approval to manufacture electric vehicles equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities. This marks a significant step toward wider adoption of self driving technology in the world’s largest automotive market.
Level 3 autonomous vehicles allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel under specific conditions. These vehicles can operate autonomously on urban roads and highways, but only in designated areas. This represents a major upgrade from current driver assistance systems, which are mostly classified as Level 2 or Level 2 plus and still require constant driver control and attention.
The ministry said both companies have successfully completed required tests for their respective models and passed relevant safety reviews. It added that it will continue working closely with other authorities to monitor the deployment of these vehicles while supporting the growth of smart driving industries across the country. This coordinated approach is intended to ensure that Level 3 autonomous cars are integrated safely into real world traffic conditions.
While the approval allows carmakers to begin manufacturing, the timeline for a market launch remains unclear. The ministry has not shared details on when these vehicles will be available for consumers. Although production can technically start following regulatory clearance, the absence of a confirmed launch date means it is uncertain how soon buyers in China will be able to access these advanced autonomous electric vehicles.
The approval signals growing confidence among regulators in the readiness of higher level autonomous systems and highlights China’s ambition to lead in next generation automotive technologies.
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