SAIC AI LAB's autonomous taxis drive in a line on the road. [Photo/WeChat ID: shlgguanweihui]

The Lin-gang Special Area – in East China's Shanghai – got the green light on May 10 for autonomous driving tests on the highway from its main urban area to Shanghai International Pudong Airport.

SAIC AI LAB – a unit of giant automaker SAIC Motor Corp Ltd's SAIC Motor R&D Innovation Headquarters – was granted the first permit for extensive, long-distance road tests, exploring new commercial applications.

Lin-gang is pushing forwards with intelligent connected vehicles and in 2023, it issued China's first driverless road-testing permits.

Demonstration companies received intelligent taxi operation licenses, conducting driverless tests and operations across 68 square kilometers of Lin-gang – covering key areas like campuses, commercial zones, residential areas, government offices, tourist spots and transport hubs.

In 2024, Pudong opened a second group of autonomous driving test roads, linking Jinqiao with Lin-gang, including routes to the airport. This aims to meet strict safety requirements and handle complex traffic, facilitating large-scale tests and commercial exploration.

SAIC AI LAB's autonomous taxis have now covered over 2 million kilometers, including 70,000 km on highways, without accidents. They've developed over 1,000 test scenarios, including 70 for highways, in so doing ensuring safety.

Future plans include expanding routes from Lin-gang to Pudong airport – covering tourist attractions, parks, hotels, malls and residential areas.

SAIC AI LAB's autonomous taxis wait at a designated waiting point at Pudong airport. [Photo/WeChat ID: shlgguanweihui]