Zheng Quan Ri Bao Zhi Sheng·2025-12-16 16:09Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China has officially granted conditional access permits for the first batch of L3-level conditional autonomous driving vehicles, marking a significant step towards real-world operation and commercialization of autonomous driving technology in China [1][2]. Group 1: Regulatory Framework - L3-level conditional autonomous driving is seen as a critical milestone in the development of autonomous driving, allowing vehicles to perform all dynamic driving tasks under specific conditions while requiring the driver to remain capable of taking control [2][3]. - The two models approved for conditional access are from Changan Automobile and BAIC Group's Arcfox brand, with specific operational limits: Changan's model can operate at speeds up to 50 km/h in congested traffic, while BAIC's model can reach 80 km/h in relatively smooth conditions [2][3]. Group 2: Testing and Safety Measures - The approval process involved collaboration among multiple government departments, ensuring comprehensive testing and safety evaluations of the vehicles, which included multiple safety redundancy designs in critical systems [3][4]. - The Arcfox Alpha S (L3 version) has undergone rigorous testing, completing over 800,000 kilometers of equivalent mileage tests, ensuring comprehensive coverage of its operational design domain [5][6]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The introduction of L3-level autonomous driving is not just a technological breakthrough but a systemic engineering challenge that involves collaboration across various sectors, including vehicle manufacturing, core components, software algorithms, and data governance [4][6]. - The approval of these vehicles provides real-world application scenarios for automakers and suppliers, fostering collaborative development across the industry chain [4][5]. Group 4: Future Outlook - Experts suggest that while the approval of L3 vehicles represents a milestone, the current operational scenarios are limited to simpler environments like highways and urban expressways, which aligns with safety requirements and technological maturity [6][7]. - The pilot program will involve designated operators, insurance requirements, and continuous monitoring of vehicle performance, with the potential for adjustments based on operational feedback [7].