A recent study reveals that approximately 15 million new cars in China will be equipped with SAE Level 2 self-driving features this year, including affordable models priced below $14,000. The China EV100 organization predicts that two out of three new car sales in China will have autonomous driving capabilities, allowing for functions like speeding up, slowing down, and changing lanes without driver input.

Traditionally, advanced driver assistance systems were reserved for pricier vehicles, but mass production has made them more affordable even in budget-friendly cars. SAE Level 2 offers partial automation while Level 3 allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road under certain conditions.

In China, there is a positive attitude towards autonomous vehicles, with young buyers actively seeking out cutting-edge technology in their new vehicles. By reducing the cost of necessary technologies, such as cameras and sensors, China aims to achieve widespread adoption of autonomous driving. This move towards automation could significantly reduce labor costs by 2030 as more vehicles become driverless.

Although some major players in the Chinese automotive industry remain skeptical about completely autonomous vehicles, the increasing adoption of basic autonomous features in new cars suggests a future with higher levels of autonomous activity on public roads. Legislation and advancements in technology could pave the way for a more predictable environment for self-driving cars to thrive in China.

Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system is expected to undergo testing in China soon, potentially bringing Elon Musk’s vision of a fully autonomous future closer to reality in the country. With more supportive regulations and advancements in technology, China could be on the path to embracing autonomous vehicles on a larger scale, showcasing its commitment to innovation in the automotive sector.