Chongqing- Exciting developments are on the horizon as Yongchuan District in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality prepares to host the First Intelligent Vehicle Application Scenario Challenge from September 1 to 3. The event promises to be a game-changer for intelligent vehicle racing, as revealed during a press conference on August 21.

▲A cityscape of Yongchuan District in Chongqing. (Photo/ The Publicity Department of the CPC Chongqing Yongchuan District)

The world's first unsealed road for NEV race

The Challenge, a 2023 Smart China Expo highlight, will feature two pioneering sub-races: the City Race and the Expressway Race. The City Race is particularly novel, introducing a unique format where racers navigate unsealed city roads, blending in with daily traffic. This setup pushes competitors to adapt to unexpected incidents and common traffic challenges.

On the other hand, the Expressway Race proudly positions itself as the first-ever intelligent car race on a designated expressway. Its design intends to closely mimic real-world conditions, allowing a thorough evaluation of intelligent connected New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) in terms of performance, safety, and efficiency. This innovation is driven by a broader vision to shape the future of digital transportation.

Over 70 renowned entities, such as JD.com, CRRC, and Changan Automobile, have shown their support by registering for the Challenge. The simultaneous Intelligent Connected Automobile Industry Cooperation Forum adds more depth to the event's agenda.

Enabled entire city roads for automatic driving tests

Yongchuan's aspirations to become a center for intelligent, connected NEVs have set the stage for the Challenge and its associated Forum. Significant achievements marking this journey include collaboration with industry giants like Great Wall Motor and 14 other enterprises. These partnerships have borne fruit, resulting in major ventures like Baidu's Apollo Go, the world's largest autonomous ride-hailing service, and Zelos Tech's state-of-the-art self-driving logistics vehicles.

▲A passenger is using a driverless ride-sharing service. (Photo/ The Publicity Department of the CPC Chongqing Yongchuan District)

Thanks to its comprehensive self-driving infrastructure, Yongchuan is uniquely positioned to provide vast support for the Challenge. With 1,576 square kilometers of area and 1,385 kilometers of two-way roads for testing, it offers a range of road conditions from mountains and expressways to urban areas and hilly terrains.

Yongchuan's commitment to the future is further underscored by the forthcoming Yongjiang Expressway, anticipated to be China's leading expressway dedicated to autonomous driving tests.

Highlighting the district's dedication, Xiao Anjia, Chairman of the Yongchuan City Development Group Co. Ltd., commented, "Yongchuan has opened its city roads for automatic driving tests. Our vision encompasses fostering city-level intelligent transport and aiding enterprises in operations like automated sanitation drives and port services."

▲The POER production line at the Great Wall Motor Yongchuan Factory. (Photo/ Chen Keru)

Chang Xiaoyong, Mayor of Yongchuan District, pointed out the current trajectory of China's NEV industry. "As we delve deeper into commercial applications, it's crucial to validate and refine our technology in real-world conditions," he remarked. "The Challenge and Forum provide the perfect platform for industry dialogue. It's a chance for Yongchuan's NEV industry to shine and evolve."

All eyes are now on Yongchuan, not only as a testament to its progress but as a harbinger of the future of intelligent transport, resonating far beyond China.