Unlike other parts of the world where regulatory backing is a barrier, China has actively made way for driverless cars through detailed legislation,
Much like it took a lead on electric vehicles, China may do so with connected and intelligent automobiles ~ because it’s part of Beijing’s blueprint. The country’s progress on autonomous vehicles is underpinned by the government’s renewed push to bring in regulation.
In a bid to commercialise driverless mobility, the transportation ministry in August released draft rules for self-driving autos while the industrial technology hub of Shenzhen became the first city to allow them on its roads.
Beijing and 8 major cities are trialling the driverless ride-hailing services, where passengers can travel for free or a nominal fee.
As the market for intelligent vehicles grows, China’s share is also expanding. The country is forecast to have a grasp on around half of the RMB 1.7 trillion (US$237 billion) industry by 2025.
In Beijing, for instance, a 60 sq km area that covers around 300,000 residents has been designated to allow driverless cars. That’s giving a framework to companies making software to pilot AVs.
With policy tailwinds, firms that develop software for smart cockpits and fancy central control panels for drivers are all the rage. Drivers too want more: Sales of vehicles equipped with these features have been rising in China.
The hardest part will be getting riders on board. Ultimately, AVs will require a behavioural shift as people become comfortable being in cars without drivers and giving up control to a machine.
The regulatory push helps set parameters and safety standards that allow consumers to wrap their heads around a new way of travelling. It may slow things down but that’s what is needed. It will also set a global precedent.
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