This article first appeared on the BNEF mobile app and the Bloomberg Terminal.
- 22 cities in China have tested over 350 self-driving cars
- Country’s goal is to commercialize robotaxis by 2025
China has tested more than 350 autonomous vehicles (AVs) on public roads in some 22 cities since March 2018. Recent acceleration in robotaxi testing and pilots reveals the country’s serious ambition in developing self-driving technology.
As of May 2020, seven Chinese cities permit AVs to carry passengers in designated areas, with Guangzhou allowing payment for such services. Seven companies — among them are Baidu, Didi Chuxing, WeRide and Alibaba-backed AutoX Technologies — have deployed over 150 robotaxis in these cities, and they plan to deploy 150 more by the end of 2020. Launching robotaxi services in designated urban areas is one of the major tasks that can help China achieve its 2025 goal.
BloombergNEF expects China to have the largest autonomous-vehicle market by 2040 as the country’s domestic AV technology ecosystem matures. For more on autonomous vehicles, see BNEF’s Research Note: Long-Term Electric Vehicle Outlook 2020 from May 19, linked here.
BNEF Shorts are research excerpts available only on the BNEF mobile app and the Bloomberg Terminal, highlighting key findings from our reports. If you would like to learn more about our services, please contact us.