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Source: Huanqiu.com

[Global Network Technology Comprehensive Report] On August 13, according to Reuters, Chinese autonomous driving startup WeRide recently obtained permission from the California utility regulator and was officially allowed to conduct manned tests of driverless cars in the state.

WeRide

Under a three-year license issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) earlier this month, WeRide will operate its driverless test vehicles in and around San Jose. It is worth noting that these tests can be conducted with or without a driver to meet the needs of different test scenarios. However, the CPUC made it clear that WeRide is currently not allowed to provide ride services to the public and may not charge any fees during the test.

WeRide currently has 12 active vehicles, which will be used for daily operations and testing in approved areas. The company, founded in 2017, obtained a license for passenger-free testing in California as early as 2021, and has accumulated rich experience in autonomous driving testing. In addition to the taxi business, WeRide is also involved in autonomous trucks, buses, street sweepers and other fields, and has successfully obtained driverless licenses in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

Despite the impending U.S. policy banning vehicles equipped with Chinese-developed systems from the road, WeRide is actively seeking a valuation of up to $5 billion through its New York initial public offering (IPO), a move that not only reflects the company's confidence in its future development, but also demonstrates its leading position in the field of autonomous driving technology.

In contrast, Alphabet's Waymo, with its fleet of about 700 vehicles, is currently the only driverless taxi company operating and charging fares in the United States.

WeRide’s license for manned testing has undoubtedly added new highlights to the competition between China and the United States in autonomous driving technology.