While the widespread adoption of L2-level systems represents a quantitative change, the implementation of L3-level autonomous driving marks more of a critical qualitative leap in the wider application of advanced driving technologies.

In December, the MIIT conditionally approved two electric vehicle models equipped with Level-3 autonomous driving capabilities, allowing them to begin pilot operations on public roads in designated areas of Beijing and Chongqing.

"The move marks a key step where China's autonomous driving industry is accelerating its transition from technology validation to large-scale production and application," said Fu Bingfeng, secretary-general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

By preliminarily defining accident liability under conditions where autonomous driving systems are activated, the move is widely seen as removing one of the most fundamental obstacles to the sector's long-term development.

"This release allows compliant products to undergo market testing and unlocks the dividends of large-scale application with clear legal backing and real road access," Fu said. "It reflects an overall approach of 'policy-first, pilot breakthroughs and phased promotion'."

A slew of NEV automakers — including BYD, Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance, Li Auto, XPeng and Xiaomi — soon announced that they had obtained L3-level road testing permits and launched internal testing programs.

This round of MIIT approvals is fundamentally different from regular L3 testing licenses, with the former focusing on pilot applications for mass-produced vehicles, while the latter emphasizes technology validation on specific road sections, according to a report by China Dragon Securities. Both, however, point toward the accelerated rollout of advanced autonomous driving, it noted.

In a broader policy context, China's energy-saving and NEV technology roadmap 3.0, released in October, projects that by 2030,L2-level and above ADAS technologies will be fully adopted in new car sales. By 2040, L4-level functions are expected to achieve full adoption in newly sold intelligent connected vehicles, while L5-level vehicles will begin to enter the market.

"China is no longer a follower in global automotive technology," said Hou Fushen, vice-president and secretary-general of the China Society of Automotive Engineers. "Today, it has become the world's largest auto market and producer, and more importantly, the strongest automotive technology ecosystem nurturing new technologies, new models and new business forms — providing global industry players with both a 'technology barometer' and an 'innovation toolbox'."

lijiaying@chinadaily.com.cn