New Measures for Intelligent Connected Vehicles: Shanghai to Issue Demonstration Operation Licenses

In the wave of development of intelligent connected vehicles, Shanghai has consistently been at the forefront, continuously injecting innovative momentum and policy support into this emerging field. Following the release of the first batch of driverless intelligent connected vehicle demonstration application permits at the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC2024), another major announcement has come from Shanghai: during the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC2025), demonstration operation licenses for intelligent connected vehicles will be issued. This move marks a crucial step for Shanghai's intelligent connected vehicle industry from the testing phase to commercial operations.

In retrospect, the issuance of demonstration application licenses in Shanghai in 2024 is of landmark significance. It allows licensed Robotaxis to conduct road tests, providing a valuable opportunity for the validation of autonomous driving technology in real traffic environments. However, at this stage, the Robotaxis can only conduct tests.

Nevertheless, extensive on-road testing has accumulated a wealth of data for the optimization and refinement of the technology, allowing autonomous driving systems to be well-trained in handling complex road conditions and unexpected situations, thereby continuously narrowing the gap with the actual commercial operation requirements.

The demonstration operation licenses to be issued in 2025 represent another major leap forward in the development of intelligent connected vehicles in Shanghai. According to relevant officials, once these licenses are obtained, the public will be able to hail Robotaxis within the service areas. This means that autonomous driving technology will officially transition from the laboratory to everyday life, marking the beginning of a new chapter in commercial operation. For the general public, this is not only an innovative travel option but also has the potential to provide a more efficient, convenient, and comfortable travel experience. Imagine no need for manual driving; vehicles equipped with advanced sensors and intelligent algorithms precisely plan routes and drive safely and smoothly, quickly transporting people to their destinations. This will undoubtedly greatly enhance the quality of urban travel.

It is worth mentioning that Shanghai has demonstrated a unique and innovative approach in managing the pilot operation of intelligent connected vehicles. Traditional taxi companies will collaborate with technology enterprises to operate Robotaxis, and this cooperative model achieves complementary advantages.

Traditional taxi companies possess extensive operational experience, are familiar with urban traffic regulations, passenger needs, and industry management standards, and can provide comprehensive support for Robotaxi operations, including vehicle dispatching, customer service, emergency response, and more. Technology companies, on the other hand, hold advanced autonomous driving technologies and boast strong research and development capabilities as well as innovative strength, enabling continuous upgrades and iterations of autonomous driving technology to enhance vehicle performance and safety. The cooperation between both parties organically combines the stability of traditional industries with the innovative vitality of emerging technologies, laying a solid foundation for the commercial operation of intelligent connected vehicles.

The recent issuance of demonstration operation licenses for intelligent connected vehicles in Shanghai not only provides a strong impetus for the development of the local intelligent connected vehicle industry, but also offers experiences and models that can be referenced nationwide and even globally. With the issuance of these licenses and the commencement of operations, it is expected that more enterprises and capital will be attracted to the intelligent connected vehicle sector, further promoting the improvement and development of the industry ecosystem. At the same time, this will accelerate the popularization and application of autonomous driving technology, drive transformation in the transportation sector, and contribute Shanghai’s strength to building an intelligent, green, and efficient future transportation system.