Millions of cheap EVs in China will get advanced self-driving features this year – leaving the rest of the world far behind

(Image credit: Xiaomi)

New study predicts 15 million new Chinese cars will have autonomous tech
Affordable models will be capable of SAE Level 2 self-driving
China looks set to fast-track autonomous vehicles

A new study has revealed that around 15 million new cars sold in China will be fitted with at least SAE Level 2 self-driving capabilities this year, including models priced below 100,000 yuan (which is less than $14,000), according to the South China Morning Post.

China EV100, which is a non-governmental organization that includes key players from China’s largest EV manufacturers, claims that two out of three new cars sold on the mainland will have autonomous driving capabilities this year. This will, at the very minimum, allow them to speed up, slow down and change lanes without driver input.

Where these sort of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) were once the reserve of more expensive models, the mass production of the technology has forced prices down to a point where even the most affordable vehicles can now offer them.

Analysis: China is building a fully autonomous future

In China, the self-driving experience doesn’t come with the same stigma that it does in much of the Western world, where drivers are generally wary of its capabilities.

On the contrary, young Chinese buyers are actively seeking out the latest technology when purchasing new vehicles, with increasing levels of autonomy high on the shopping list.

By forcing down the cost of the camera, Lidar, sensor and chipset technology required (let’s not get into how China has managed to do that here), the country has been able to introduce it on a mass scale.

It is widely agreed that higher levels of automation on the road will only really work when vehicles equipped with the required technology reach critical mass.

There’s a much slimmer chance of an accident occurring if everyone on the highway is using some form of auto-pilot system, for example.

Despite this, there are still major automotive players in China that don't believe we will ever reach a point where a human isn't involved. One of BYD's spokespeople told reporters at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show that it is "basically impossible".

But with two out of three new cars sold in China this year meeting basic autonomous driving requirements, it won’t be long before parts of the country could legitimately allow for much higher levels of autonomous activity on public roads.

This technological prowess would make it easier to geo-fence certain areas where SAE Level 3 systems are mandatory, for example.

Alternatively, the country could even legislate that every new car sold must be capable of automatically adjusting to speed limits, keeping lanes and autonomously braking, thus creating a more predictable environment for autonomous vehicles to thrive.

It is believed that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system, often regarded as one of the most advanced in the world, will begin testing in China this year.

With a more supportive framework, Elon Musk’s predictions of a fully autonomous future may well be realized… just 7,000-miles away from where it was first conceived.

Leon has been navigating a world where automotive and tech collide for almost 20 years, reporting on everything from in-car entertainment to robotised manufacturing plants. Currently, EVs are the focus of his attentions, but give it a few years and it will be electric vertical take-off and landing craft. Outside of work hours, he can be found tinkering with distinctly analogue motorcycles, because electric motors are no replacement for an old Honda inline four.