Autonomous driving developer Pony.ai has been authorized to conduct driverless tests on public roads in China’s capital city, Beijing. The company is one of two autonomous software companies to receive a permit in the city. It was also permitted to conduct tests on certain sections of Beijing highways in July 2021.
The company will be allowed to conduct driverless testing in an area of around 20km2 , designated as a dedicated pilot zone for autonomous vehicle development. The area covers major subway stations, residential areas and tech parks, and will enable Pony.ai to test its autonomous technology across some of the most challenging road conditions.
“Pony.ai is well on track to build a safe and reliable ‘virtual driver’, which paves the way for future mass deployment,” commented Ning Zhang, VP and head of Pony.ai’s Beijing R&D center. “Obtaining driverless test permits is solid proof of Pony.ai’s leading position in the autonomous driving industry.” The company has previously been authorized to conduct driverless tests in California, the US and Guangzhou, China.
