Shanghai to Issue Demonstration Operation Licenses for Intelligent Connected Vehicles in 2025

In the wave of development for intelligent connected vehicles, Shanghai continues to lead by injecting innovative momentum and policy support into this emerging field. Following the issuance of the first batch of demonstration application licenses for unmanned intelligent connected vehicles at the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC2024), Shanghai has announced a significant update: during the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC2025), it will issue demonstration operation licenses for intelligent connected vehicles. This initiative marks a crucial step for Shanghai's intelligent connected vehicle industry from the testing phase to commercial operation. Looking back at 2024, the issuance of demonstration application licenses was milestone. It allowed licensed Robotaxis to conduct road testing, providing valuable opportunities for the validation of autonomous driving technology in real traffic environments. However, at this stage, Robotaxis were only permitted for testing. Despite this limitation, extensive road testing has accumulated rich data for the optimization and enhancement of technology, allowing autonomous systems to be thoroughly trained to handle complex road conditions and unexpected situations, continuously narrowing the gap between testing and actual commercial operation needs. The upcoming issuance of demonstration operation licenses in 2025 represents another significant leap in the development of intelligent connected vehicles in Shanghai. According to relevant officials, once this license is obtained, the public will be able to hail a Robotaxi within the service area, indicating that unmanned driving technology is officially moving from the laboratory to the public sphere, opening a new chapter in commercial operations. For citizens, this is not only an innovative transportation option but may also lead to a more efficient, convenient, and comfortable travel experience. Imagine vehicles utilizing advanced sensors and intelligent algorithms to plan routes accurately and navigate safely without human intervention, transporting people swiftly to their destinations—this will undoubtedly enhance the quality of urban mobility. Notably, Shanghai demonstrates a unique innovative approach in the management of demonstration operations for intelligent connected vehicles. Traditional taxi companies will collaborate with tech companies to operate Robotaxis, achieving a complementary advantage. Traditional taxi companies possess rich operational experience, are familiar with urban traffic regulations, passenger demands, and industry management standards, and can provide comprehensive support for the operation of Robotaxis, including vehicle dispatch, customer service, and emergency handling. On the other hand, tech companies harness advanced autonomous driving technology and possess strong R&D capabilities, continuously pushing forward the upgrades and iterations of autonomous driving technology to improve vehicle performance and safety. The collaboration between both parties 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 issuance of demonstration operation licenses for intelligent connected vehicles in Shanghai not only strongly promotes the development of the local intelligent connected vehicle industry but also provides a replicable experience and model for the nation and even the world. With the issuance of licenses and the commencement of operations, it is expected to attract more enterprises and capital into the intelligent connected vehicle sector, further enhancing and developing the industry ecosystem. Additionally, this will accelerate the popularization and application of autonomous driving technology, driving transformation in the transportation sector, and contributing to the construction of an intelligent, green, and efficient future transportation system powered by Shanghai.