Wedoany.com Report-Dec.18, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has conditionally approved two electric vehicle models for Level-3 autonomous driving on public roads, marking a significant advancement in regulated application of higher automation technologies.

The permits were issued to a sedan from Changan Automobile for operations in Chongqing and another from BAIC Motor's Arcfox brand for designated routes in Beijing. This represents the first authorization allowing Level-3 capabilities on open roads under a structured framework.

Level-3 automation, known as conditional automated driving, enables vehicles to handle dynamic tasks independently while requiring drivers to remain ready to intervene when prompted. Approved functions include single-lane operation in congestion at up to 50 kilometers per hour for the Changan model and speeds up to 80 kilometers per hour on specific highways and expressways in Beijing for the Arcfox vehicle.

The approvals build on pilot programs initiated in November 2023 and expanded guidelines released in September this year, emphasizing safety and progressive implementation.

Fu Bingfeng, executive vice president and secretary-general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, noted the permits reflect technological progress and address growing interest in enhanced mobility solutions.

Ji Xuehong, director of the automobile industry innovation research center at North China University of Technology, described the development as a steady step toward practical deployment, supported by extensive testing and regulatory refinement.

MIIT official Liu Fawang highlighted the measures as promoting innovation alongside robust safety oversight. Qu Guochun, another MIIT representative, added that the pilots will enhance manufacturer capabilities and inform future standards.

Sun Hang, a researcher at an automotive standardization institute, observed that such access creates mutual reinforcement between technological advancement and regulatory development.

The designated vehicles will participate in monitored pilot operations in Chongqing and Beijing to gather operational data and validate performance.

Authorities plan ongoing supervision, experience summarization, and improvements to access systems and standards for intelligent connected vehicles.

These approvals align with broader efforts to integrate advanced technologies into transportation infrastructure while prioritizing controlled, safe introduction.

Chinese companies continue expanding autonomous driving applications domestically and internationally, contributing to global mobility solutions through accumulated operational experience. The structured approach ensures progressive scaling of Level-3 features in defined scenarios, supporting reliable adoption over time.