Shanghai took a decisive step toward shaping the future of urban mobility by issuing new demonstrative operation licenses for driverless intelligent vehicles during the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference. The licenses, granted to industry leaders including Pony AI, Baidu, and Saike Intelligent Technology, signal China’s growing momentum in the global race for autonomous transportation.
The permits cover four vehicle models across two commercial scenarios, supported by millions of kilometers of operational data and advanced engineering capabilities. Analysts describe this as a shift from pilot projects to normalized, large-scale deployments—a critical milestone for Level 4 autonomous driving technology.
“This isn’t just about technology—it’s about redefining urban ecosystems,” said a Shanghai-based mobility analyst. The move aligns with broader efforts to integrate AI-driven solutions into smart city infrastructure, offering potential ripple effects for supply chains, tourism, and cross-industry innovation.
For investors, the licensing framework provides clearer pathways for commercialization, while researchers highlight its implications for AI ethics and regulatory evolution. As global competitors watch closely, Shanghai’s latest initiative reinforces China’s strategic positioning in next-gen transportation.
