Beijing Introduces Regulations to Promote Driverless Vehicles

Beijing has unveiled new regulations designed to foster the growth of autonomous driving technology within the city, with plans to eventually permit driverless public buses and taxis. Starting April 1, 2025, autonomous vehicles that pass road testing and safety assessments will be eligible to apply for road trials. The city’s new rules support the use of self-driving vehicles for private cars, buses, trams, and taxis, and encourage the development of intelligent road infrastructure to accommodate these vehicles.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by Chinese authorities to accelerate the adoption of autonomous driving technology. At least 19 cities across China, including Beijing, have already begun testing robotaxis and robobuses. Major companies such as Apollo Go, a subsidiary of Baidu, and Pony.ai are expanding their robotaxi fleets, with Baidu planning to deploy 1,000 robotaxis in Wuhan by the end of 2024 and Pony.ai aiming for over 1,000 vehicles by 2026.

Additionally, Tesla is seeking regulatory approval to launch its full self-driving (FSD) technology in China by the first quarter of 2025, with plans to produce its own robotaxis by 2026.