China takes a step forward over Europe and will accept Level 3 autonomous cars on all its roads

In China, there are many manufacturers that already include complex artificial intelligence systems designed to grant autonomous driving to their vehicles. An example of this are cars like the Xiaomi SU7 itself (in its highest finishes) or the NIO ET5, among others. These have a series of state-of-the-art sensors and cameras on the roof. Although today, they still do not serve any purpose beyond offering aids or driving support, in the future it will be the key to their total autonomy.

The potential that this hardware has is very high, which is being left half-done due to the legislation itself that prevents its full exposure. In addition to the models and brands already mentioned, in China there are also other examples of this, such as BYD, Changan, XPeng, GAC, SAIC, BAIC, BluePark, China FAW Group or Yutongamong others.

However, now, the Chinese government is turning in favor of these and has already given the green light to all of them and other companies to start working on autonomous driving of their cars on open roads.

China opens up to Level 3 autonomous driving

This comes a few months after China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology began accepting applications from companies to test autonomous driving technology in their electric cars. All of them will now be allowed to roll their models off restricted roads, as has been happening until now.

The testing program will be closely monitored by the aforementioned Chinese ministryespecially to ensure the safety, not only of its occupants, but also of those around them.

This legislation, in addition to the Chinese brands themselves, also opens the door for other companies with headquarters and factories in the country to begin their tests, such as Tesla, for example. Last May, Elon Musk He suggested that the brand he runs could launch a fleet of autonomous Robotaxis in China just before starting mass sales.

Faced with this proposal, the country’s government was open to the idea. However, there would still be plenty of time for this, since Tesla will have to do all its homework first, such as finishing the development of its hardware and software, as well as working hand in hand with the Chinese ministry.

But Tesla has not only looked with interest to China with this proposal for its Robotaxi, but also with other vehicles, such as the Model 3 or Model Y, which will now be able to integrate autonomous driving functions that until now were not contemplated by the law.

Once again, China takes the lead over Europe where autonomous driving tests of electric vehicles are still completely prohibited, except in certain areas of specific cities (especially in Germany). Will this be the trigger for the Old Continent to also open up to this technology on open roads? The doubts could soon be cleared up.