China self-driving vehicles are set for large-scale deployment by 2030 under a new government roadmap covering autonomous driving, electric vehicles, safety and global competitiveness.
BEIJING: China self-driving vehicles are moving closer to widespread use after the government unveiled a major roadmap targeting large-scale deployment of autonomous-driving technology by 2030.
The plan, released on September 11, 2026, by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and eight other government departments, sets out China’s ambitions for its intelligent connected new-energy vehicle industry over the next five years.
Where will self-driving vehicles operate?
Under the roadmap, highly automated driving is expected to expand across highways, urban expressways and selected city roads by 2030.
China also wants vehicles equipped with autonomous-driving systems to achieve safety performance significantly exceeding that of human drivers.
The target signals a transition from limited testing and pilot projects towards much broader commercial adoption of autonomous technology.
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China sets ambitious electric vehicle targets
The strategy goes beyond autonomous driving.
By 2030, new-energy passenger vehicles are expected to account for 70 per cent of new passenger vehicle sales, while new-energy commercial vehicles are targeted to reach 40 per cent of their segment.
China also wants average electricity consumption for battery-electric passenger cars to fall to around 11.5 kWh per 100 kilometres.
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Tougher rules will accompany autonomous driving
The expansion of China self-driving vehicles will be accompanied by tighter regulation.
Authorities plan stronger oversight of vehicle manufacturing, road safety, autonomous-driving systems and software updates. The roadmap also calls for greater product-quality supervision and measures to curb excessive investment and inefficient manufacturing capacity.
This suggests Beijing wants rapid technological development without allowing competition to undermine safety or industry stability.
Chinese carmakers get a global target
China also wants several domestic carmakers to rank among the world’s top 10 vehicle manufacturers by sales.
The government plans to improve the international reputation of Chinese automotive brands while increasing China’s influence in global automotive standards and regulations.
The roadmap also encourages greater cooperation between Chinese and overseas companies in research, investment and key automotive components.
Why the 2030 target matters
China already has one of the world’s fastest-growing electric and autonomous mobility industries, making the new roadmap significant for both domestic manufacturers and global competitors.
The mass deployment target could accelerate investment in artificial intelligence, sensors, automotive chips, mapping, software and intelligent road infrastructure as companies prepare for broader commercial adoption.
Impact to expect
China’s 2030 target could accelerate the global race towards autonomous mobility, creating new opportunities for Chinese technology and automotive companies while increasing competitive pressure on international carmakers developing self-driving systems.
