First Batch of Special License Plates for L3 Autonomous Vehicles Issued in Beijing
Summary:
- Beijing officially issues China’s first special license plates for L3 autonomous vehicles.
- BAIC Jihu introduces three vehicles equipped with these newly minted plates.
- The move marks a significant step towards the commercial deployment of autonomous driving technology.
On December 23, Beijing made a historic advancement in autonomous vehicle technology by issuing the first batch of special license plates designated for L3 highway autonomous vehicles. This significant announcement came from the Traffic Management Bureau of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, as they issued three plates—JingAA0001Z, JingAA0733Z, and JingAA0880Z—to intelligent connected vehicles.
Milestone Achievement for BAIC Group
Shortly thereafter, BAIC Group celebrated the achievement as all three specialized license plates were awarded to the BAIC Jihu Alpha S (L3 version). This event signifies the moment when these vehicles acquired the "legal road qualification," formalizing their presence on public roads.
Just one week earlier, on December 15, BAIC Group’s Jihu Alpha S received approval from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, allowing its autonomous driving model to gain access to the market. The swift registration of these plates indicates a robust readiness for the integration of these advanced vehicles into urban traffic systems.
Importance of the L3 License Plates
The designation of "Beijing AA0001Z" is particularly noteworthy. It symbolizes the first official license plate for autonomous driving in the country that is not restricted by highway congestion conditions. This marks a pivotal development in China’s approach to self-driving technology, particularly as it pertains to domestically produced vehicles boasting the highest levels of technical sophistication in this domain. Additionally, JingAA0733Z interestingly reflects BAIC New Energy’s stock code (600733) in the A-share market, resonating with the company’s broader corporate branding strategy.
As a comparison, it’s important to note that just days before, Changan’s Deep Blue Automobile also announced the acquisition of its first official license plate for L3 autonomous driving—"Chongqing AD0001Z". This growing trend underlines a collective movement towards adopting and standardizing autonomous vehicle technology across various regions in China.
Government Initiatives and Future Prospects
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has taken crucial steps to pave the way for L3-level conditional self-driving cars. On December 15, they announced the first batch of access permits, involving two innovative models designed to handle urban congestion as well as high-speed road environments. These vehicles will begin piloting in designated areas of Beijing and Chongqing, marking a transition from testing stages to commercial applications.
The two designated models are:
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Changan SC7000AAARBEV: This pure electric vehicle can perform autonomous driving functions, with a maximum speed of 50 km/h in single lanes of highways and urban expressways under traffic congestion conditions. Notable sections where these capabilities will be tested include the Chongqing Inner Ring Expressway and Yudu Avenue.
- Jihu brand BJ7001A61NBEV: Also a pure electric model, this vehicle can achieve autonomous driving at speeds of up to 80 km/h, specifically on expressways and urban expressways. Initial deployment will occur on specific segments of the Beijing-Taiwan Expressway and the Daxing Airport Expressway.
Conclusion
The issuance of the first special license plates for L3 autonomous vehicles in Beijing is a landmark moment for China’s burgeoning autonomous vehicle industry. With key players like BAIC and Changan leading the charge, the country is set to transition its testing phase into practical, everyday applications. As the government continues to promote innovation in this sector, we can anticipate an expanded rollout of advanced autonomous vehicles on public roads, heralding a new era of transportation in China. The integration of these vehicles not only promises efficiency but also aims to redefine the driving experience for the future.
