Shanghai has set its sights on becoming a global frontrunner in autonomous driving with the release of its "model-driven intelligent travel" action plan on Jan 13.

The ambitious initiative, jointly issued by the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Transport, and the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Public Security, outlines specific goals for the city's intelligent connected vehicle industry through 2027.

At its core, the initiative focuses on expanding the application of autonomous vehicles, fostering innovation within the sector, and building a comprehensive industrial ecosystem to support large-scale development.

A key goal is the rollout of Level 4 autonomous driving technology in public transportation and freight services. By 2027, these systems are expected to carry more than 6 million passengers and handle over 800,000 twenty-foot equivalent units of cargo each year.

The plan also envisions creating public service platforms, including a digital twin training ground for autonomous driving. Shanghai will expand its open testing area to 2,000 square kilometers, supported by more than 5,000 kilometers of roads connecting transportation hubs, industrial parks, and tourist attractions.

By 2027, more than 90 percent of new vehicles are expected to be equipped with Level 2 or Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities, while mass production of Level 4 autonomous vehicles is set to begin.

To achieve these targets, Shanghai will expand the application of autonomous passenger vehicles through Level 3 pilot programs and expanded demonstration projects for commercial vehicles. Unmanned equipment will also be promoted for urban inspection, logistics, and sanitation.

Construction of the digital twin training ground will be accelerated, alongside improvements to the city's data monitoring platform. The open testing area for AVs will be expanded to cover the entire Pudong New Area and other districts, with highways and urban expressways gradually opened for testing.

The action plan also highlights creating an innovative industrial ecosystem, conducting research on core components, and fostering collaboration among universities, research institutions, and enterprises in areas such as intelligent driving foundation models.

To support implementation, Shanghai will provide policy and financial support, as well as promote talent development through industry-education integration. The city will improve data collection and management mechanisms and prioritize the application of tested AV foundation models in vehicles.

The initiative seeks to strengthen regional cooperation by implementing unified management of autonomous driving testing and application across the city. It also encourages data sharing and promotes cooperation within the Yangtze River Delta region, including mutual recognition of testing roads, data, and results.

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization, Shanghai Municipal Commission of Transport, Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Public Security