By China has officially taken a historic step toward autonomous mobility as the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) approves the country’s first Level 3 (L3) autonomous pilot vehicles for use on public roads. This landmark decision signals China’s transition from experimental autonomous driving to commercial deployment, placing the nation among global leaders in intelligent transportation systems.
The approved vehicles include the BAIC Arcfox Alpha S (L3) and the Changan Deepal SL03, both powered by Huawei’s Qiankun Intelligent Driving ADS system. These models are now authorized to operate under defined L3 driving conditions, where vehicles can manage driving tasks independently while drivers remain available to intervene when required.
Advanced Technology Behind China’s L3 Vehicles
Huawei’s Qiankun ADS platform delivers cutting-edge performance by combining powerful computing, advanced sensor fusion, and rigorous safety mechanisms. The system operates with 400 TOPS of computing power, enabling real-time processing of complex road situations, traffic behavior, and environmental changes.
To ensure full-surround awareness, the vehicles are equipped with 34 high-performance sensors and three LiDAR units, providing precise 360-degree perception even in challenging urban and highway environments. This sensor suite allows accurate detection of vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, and obstacles.
Safety remains a central focus. The vehicles feature aviation-grade redundancy, ensuring that critical systems such as steering, braking, and communication remain operational even if a component fails. Additionally, Huawei’s ADS system has undergone over 800,000 kilometers of testing, covering functional performance, cybersecurity protection, and real-world driving scenarios.
What Level 3 Autonomy Means for Drivers
Level 3 autonomous vehicles can handle driving tasks in specific, controlled conditions such as highways or low-complexity traffic environments. While the system drives independently, drivers must stay alert and be ready to take over when prompted.
Key benefits of L3 driving include:
- Enhanced road safety through advanced detection and predictive systems
- Reduced driver fatigue during long highway journeys
- A critical step toward fully autonomous vehicles in the future
A Major Boost for China’s Autonomous Driving Industry
China’s approval of L3 vehicles highlights both technological readiness and strong regulatory support for autonomous mobility. With Huawei’s ADS system now operating on public roads, industry experts expect wider adoption of L3 vehicles by private owners and fleet operators in the coming years.
This milestone firmly establishes China’s entry into the commercial Level 3 autonomous driving era, accelerating innovation and reshaping the future of smart transportation.
