Ren Min Ri Bao·2025-12-19 21:53Core Insights - The approval of the first batch of L3 conditional autonomous driving vehicles in China marks a significant step towards the commercialization of autonomous driving technology [1][2][3] Group 1: Significance of Approval - The L3 level represents conditional automation, allowing vehicles to drive autonomously in specific scenarios, while requiring the driver to be ready to take control when prompted by the system [2][3] - This approval differentiates from previous testing licenses, as it allows for formal licensing and road use, indicating a shift from technology validation to mass production applications [3] Group 2: Conditions for Operation - L3 autonomous driving is conditional on specific road types, weather conditions, driver status, and vehicle conditions, emphasizing the need for a collaborative safety framework involving people, vehicles, and infrastructure [3][4] - The vehicles can only operate on designated routes at limited speeds, with the Beijing model allowing up to 80 km/h and the Chongqing model focusing on congested traffic conditions at a maximum of 50 km/h [4] Group 3: Vehicle Requirements - The vehicles are equipped with advanced sensor technology, including 34 high-performance sensors, to ensure comprehensive environmental perception and decision-making capabilities [4][5] - A redundancy architecture is implemented in the L3 vehicles, ensuring that critical systems can maintain safe operation even in the event of a failure [5] Group 4: Consumer Access and Future Plans - Currently, the trial vehicles are not available for direct consumer sales, but consumers can experience the technology through ride-hailing services [6] - A consortium led by BAIC Group plans to initiate operations in specific scenarios by Q1 2026, aiming to gather practical experience and accelerate the commercialization of L3 autonomous driving technology [6]