BYD has begun internal testing of its L3 level autonomous driving system in China, amid active expansion of this segment in the country. According to Chinese media, the tests are taking place in Shenzhen on specially approved sections of expressways and urban express roads with the participation of local transport authorities. The system occupies an intermediate position between mass L2 assistants and more advanced L4 autonomous driving.
The increase in activity around L3 coincided with changes in regulation and the issuance of permits for pilot operation. Financial analysts note increased investor interest in companies and suppliers of autonomous driving technologies amid signals from regulators and the start of testing of systems ready for mass use. In some regions, limited use of L3 on public roads is already permitted as part of controlled programs.
According to sources, BYD has accumulated over 150,000 km of real road data, including driving at night, in the rain, and in road work zones. Previously, the company was among the first group of participants in national pilot programs for the implementation of L3 autonomous driving. At the same time, similar tests are being carried out by other automakers, which indicates the accelerated formation of a regulatory and technological base for conditionally autonomous vehicles in China.