Biplab Das 
IM Motors, the electric vehicle (EV) brand under the umbrella of China’s state-owned SAIC Motor, has officially applied to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) for the entry of Level 3 autonomous driving cars. Backed by investments from Alibaba Group, IM Motors aims to become one of the pioneering brands granted approval for highly autonomous driving vehicles in the country.
Accelerating autonomous driving adoption
Chinese regulators have recently introduced new policies to expedite the widespread adoption of autonomous driving technologies. This move follows five years of allowing companies to conduct city road tests. In a significant development, the MIIT issued a notice in November, outlining a nationwide pilot programme for the admission and on-road operation of vehicles equipped with Level 3 (L3) and Level 4 (L4) autonomous driving capabilities. This marks a crucial step toward permitting the sale and use of such vehicles by individual buyers and fleet operators.
IM Motors’ strategic move
As part of its strategic positioning, IM Motors expressed confidence that its electric vehicles could be among the initial models approved as legitimately highly autonomous driving cars by the MIIT. The company’s Level 3 autonomous driving technology represents a notable advancement, aligning with the evolving landscape of autonomous mobility.
Regulatory timeline
According to reports from Chinese media outlet Caixin, the first batch of models, including those from IM Motors, could potentially receive approval as early as the first quarter of 2024. This indicates a swift regulatory process under the new pilot programme, reflecting the Chinese government’s commitment to fostering innovation in the autonomous driving sector.
Implications for the EV industry
IM Motors’ pursuit of Level 3 autonomous driving approval underscores the broader industry trend towards integrating advanced driver assistance systems. The prospect of legitimate highly autonomous driving vehicles hitting the market signifies a transformative phase for the EV sector, as technological innovation continues to shape the future of mobility in China.
IM Motors, in collaboration with Alibaba Group, is navigating the regulatory landscape with its application for Level 3 autonomous driving approval in China. The move aligns with the country’s ambitious initiatives to embrace autonomous driving technologies, reflecting the broader evolution of the automotive industry toward a future of intelligent and self-driving vehicles.
