Introduction

Today, Wurenchelai (Public Account: Wurenchelai) delves into the realm of autonomous driving, spotlighting Shanghai as a "superstar" in this burgeoning field.

In the fiercely competitive landscape of autonomous driving, Shanghai shines like a "hexagon warrior," excelling in every aspect with overwhelming prowess!

(For reference, please click:

"Shanghai: Designates the Third Batch of Open Test Roads for Autonomous Driving in Pudong New Area to Accelerate the Construction of a 'Globally Leading High-Level Autonomous Driving Leading Area")

I. Shanghai: A Comprehensive Leader in Autonomous Driving

In March 2025, Shanghai reaffirmed its status as the "King" of autonomous driving.

As of March 2025, Shanghai boasts 1,586 test roads spanning 2,767 kilometers, accumulating a test mileage of 28 million kilometers, including 20 million kilometers in autonomous mode.

These figures not only dwarf those of other cities but also position Shanghai as a "testbed" and "showcase" for global autonomous driving technology.

1. Policy Innovation: From "Testbed" to "Showcase"

Shanghai's success in autonomous driving is underpinned by its "nanny-state" policy support.

In 2016, Shanghai established the nation's first intelligent connected vehicle demonstration zone in Jiading District, followed by the issuance of the country's first demonstration application license for intelligent connected vehicles in 2019.

In 2023, Shanghai introduced the nation's first local regulation exclusively for driverless intelligent connected vehicles, clarifying the application process for enterprises, evaluation standards for third-party institutions, and enforcement protocols for authorities.

This "first-mover" policy environment has transformed Shanghai into a "safe haven" for autonomous driving enterprises.

A Pony.ai executive noted, "Shanghai's policy environment is highly conducive. Relevant departments actively solicit enterprise feedback, continuously refine policies, and provide robust support."

2. Industrial Chain Strength: A Seamless Loop from R&D to Mass Production

Shanghai is not just a policy leader but also an "all-rounder" in the industrial chain.

As a major automotive hub in China, Shanghai boasts a comprehensive industrial cluster encompassing R&D, manufacturing, and sales.

Subsidiaries of SAIC Motor, such as Zerobound Technology and United Automotive Electronic Systems, cover the entire industry chain and synergize with enterprises like CATL and Huawei.

A Youdao Zhitu representative revealed, "Leveraging SAIC's industrial chain strengths, we've significantly reduced the hardware costs of our Honghu Intelligent Driving Platform, and our closed-loop ecosystem from R&D to mass production gives us a competitive edge."

II. Commercialization Implementation: From Taxis to Port Logistics

1. Driverless Taxis: From "Pilot" to "Mainstream"

In July 2024, Shanghai issued the first batch of demonstration application licenses for driverless intelligent connected vehicles, enabling passengers to hail driverless taxis in pilot areas.

During tests in Jiading District, Pony.ai completed over 310,000 demonstration passenger rides, covering a test mileage of 22.1 million kilometers.

2. Port Logistics: Shanghai Port's "Unmanned" Transformation

For 14 consecutive years, Shanghai Port has ranked first globally in container throughput, providing an international validation platform for autonomous driving technology.

Youdao Zhitu has participated in the intelligent transformation of global ports like Puerto Chancay in Peru, promoting Chinese intelligent driving technology worldwide.

3. Logistics Distribution: Unmanned Vehicles "Delivering to Your Door"

In areas like Jinqiao and Zhangjiang, unmanned delivery vehicles operate seamlessly.

A Nullmax representative stated, "Shanghai's complex urban road scenarios and abundant pilot applications offer vast potential for the commercialization of our technology."

III. AI Empowerment: From "Technology Hub" to "Industry Apex"

1. AI Policy: Crafting "AI Shanghai"

In late 2024, the Shanghai Municipal Government released the "Implementation Plan for Building 'AI Shanghai,'" explicitly aiming to accelerate the development of key productivity tools in the "AI + Autonomous Driving" domain.

This policy strongly supports the widespread application of autonomous driving technology.

2. Data-Driven: The "Wisdom Accumulation" of 28 Million Kilometers

Shanghai's autonomous driving test data has reached 28 million kilometers, with 20 million kilometers logged in autonomous mode.

These data provide a solid foundation for optimizing and iterating AI algorithms, positioning Shanghai at the forefront of autonomous driving technology competition.

3. Vehicle-Road Coordination: "Future Transportation" at 287 Smart Intersections

Jiading District has constructed 287 smart intersections and a 230-kilometer vehicle-road coordination environment, achieving the nation's first city-level large-scale demonstration of autonomous vehicles.

This "vehicle-road coordination" model not only enhances autonomous driving safety but also serves as a model for future smart city construction.

IV. Future Prospects: From "Shanghai Speed" to "Global Benchmark"

1. International Expansion: From Shanghai Port to Global Ports

Shanghai Port's intelligent transformation experience is being exported globally.

A Youdao Zhitu representative said, "Through the 'local policy innovation + international scenario validation' model, we've amassed cross-regional and cross-cultural commercialization experience, laying the groundwork for global autonomous driving competition."

2. Technology Evolution: The "Final Stretch" from L4 to L5

Shanghai is progressing from L4 to L5 autonomous driving.

A Pony.ai executive stated, "Shanghai already possesses the technical foundation to transition from driverless demonstration applications to full-scale demonstration operations and will further accelerate the commercialization of 'truly unmanned' technology in the future."

3. Social Acceptance: From "Fear" to "Trust"

Despite technological maturity, social acceptance remains crucial for autonomous driving advancement.

Through extensive pilot applications and public education, Shanghai has gradually bolstered citizens' trust in autonomous driving.

The Nullmax representative emphasized, "The public in Shanghai generally embraces new technologies, paving the way for the popularization of autonomous driving."

In conclusion, Wurenchelai (Public Account: Wurenchelai) believes that from policy innovation to AI empowerment, from industrial chain strengths to abundant application scenarios, Shanghai is leveraging its comprehensive capabilities to pen a new chapter in autonomous driving. As unmanned vehicles emerge as road "protagonists," Shanghai is poised to become a "benchmark city" for global autonomous driving technology.

Dear readers! What are your thoughts?