Why did China slow down self-driving car approvals?

China significantly reduced self-driving car approvals following a fatal crash involving a Xiaomi SU7, prompting regulators to exercise greater caution.

What is the current status of self-driving taxis in China?

Regulators have approved limited testing of self-driving taxis for two companies, Beijing Automotive Group and Changan Automobile, with strict operational constraints.

Is assisted driving technology in China fully automated?

No, China's Ministry of Public Security has warned that current assisted-driving technology is not fully automated and drivers must remain vigilant.

Home / Technology / China Slows Self-Driving Cars After Deadly Crash

China Slows Self-Driving Cars After Deadly Crash

23 Dec

•

Summary

China regulators approved only two automakers for limited self-driving taxi testing.
A fatal Xiaomi SU7 crash in March halted ambitious mass-production plans.
Government warns drivers assisted tech is not fully automated driving.

China Slows Self-Driving Cars After Deadly Crash

China's aspirations for widespread self-driving vehicle sales have been significantly curtailed. Regulators have recently granted approval to only two out of nine previously submitted plans for self-driving cars, with these permissions narrowly focused on further testing rather than mass production. Beijing Automotive Group and Changan Automobile can operate self-driving taxis on specific highway sections in their respective hometowns, but with restrictions on lane changes and a requirement for human drivers on most roads.

These cautious steps follow a fatal accident involving a Xiaomi SU7 in late March, which garnered significant public attention, unlike previous incidents. The crash, occurring on a highway in Anhui Province, raised questions about legal responsibility for accidents involving assisted driving technology. Xiaomi stated the vehicle was in assisted-driving mode when it detected an obstacle, and the driver took control moments before the crash.