Description:
China is pushing to accelerate the development of assisted-driving technologies (Level 2 and 3), but with an emphasis on safety and regulation. Major Chinese automakers like BYD, Nio, and Xpeng are increasingly offering semi-autonomous driving features such as automated lane changes and highway navigation. These advancements are helping Chinese companies outpace global rivals in the smart vehicle race.

However, Chinese authorities are now concerned about inconsistent performance and safety risks. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has initiated public consultations on new standards to define how and where these features can be used—especially in urban areas where risk is higher.

At a recent industry forum in Shanghai, several carmakers urged regulators to provide clearer guidelines and faster approvals, warning that overly strict controls could stifle innovation.

Key Highlights:

  • China is leading in Level 2+ (semi-autonomous) vehicle adoption.

  • Authorities plan to regulate where assisted-driving can be used (e.g., highways vs. cities).

  • Automakers are calling for faster approval processes and clearer legal frameworks.

  • China sees autonomous driving as a major growth area in the global EV race.