Yes, that encompasses Tesla's "Full Self Driving" labeling.

• The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) in China has introduced new regulations concerning the promotion and execution of driver-assistance systems as well as over-the-air software updates.
• In China, automakers can no longer promote vehicles using terms such as "autonomous," "intelligent," or "automatic" for driving functions; they must use the globally recognized SAE level classifications instead.
• This follows a prominent deadly accident in China involving a Xiaomi SU7 utilizing its NOA (Navigate On Autopilot) function.

In the realm of electric vehicle advancements, China has been quick off the mark. Drawing inspiration from Silicon Valley’s playbook, these Chinese companies adopt an iterative approach, continually refining both their vehicles and software. Not long ago, advanced highway-driving assist systems were exclusive to premium cars worldwide, but now they’re becoming more common among domestic brands as well. Now, you can discover the technology featured in BYD’s most affordable $10,000 vehicle.

However, new information suggests that perhaps the brands are moving a little too fast. China’s regulatory bodies are putting the brakes on some of the so-called "autonomous" features found on cars. (No company in any country makes a truly autonomous car that is sold to the public.) The aim is to clarify what exactly these cars can and can’t do, lest the consumer becomes lulled into thinking their cars are completely self-driving when they aren’t.

On April 16, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology introduced several key regulations for automobile manufacturers. Primarily, brands can no longer market their autonomous driving technology using terms like "beta,” which has been utilized by Tesla for an extended period and continues to be employed by Xiaomi. According to these guidelines, ordinary consumers cannot serve as beta testers; hence, all genuine public beta tests should be conducted via official governmental procedures.

Secondly, companies should cease employing ambiguous or deceptive phrases like " autonomous driving" or " automatic driving" in their promotional materials. Instead, they ought to describe these systems accurately according to the corresponding levels of driver assistance. Furthermore, vehicles must comply with relevant regulations. Since fully automated hands-free operation at Level 2 has not been authorized for sale to consumers in China, all automobiles must require continuous driver attention. Additionally, features such as driverless parking or summon functions—similar to Tesla’s Smart Summon—are prohibited.

One of the most intriguing aspects is that the MIIT is restricting both the frequency and simplicity of over-the-air update capabilities for manufacturers. Even urgent updates now have to follow the same procedure as those required for vehicle recalls.

This follows closely after a highly publicized incident in China several weeks ago, concerning a Xiaomi SU7. The SU7 crashed into a construction site in China at approximately 60-70 mph. The vehicle crashed into a solid obstacle and burst into flames, resulting in fatalities for all three college students onboard. Investigations showed that prior to the accident, the automobile was employing its advanced driver-assistance systems; however, the operator switched these off manually and neglected to steer properly. Data from the car’s event data recorder indicated numerous instances of distraction alerts issued to the driver leading up to this unfortunate incident.

I believe this is a wise decision that many governments should consider emulating. While advanced driver-assistance systems are indeed sophisticated and reduce driving fatigue, some individuals fail to grasp their actual capabilities. It wouldn’t be difficult to find someone like the typical "average Joe" who was swayed by the promises of Full Self-Driving (FSD) or Autopilot technology, leading them to assume their vehicle can operate autonomously without any intervention from the driver. This misconception poses significant risks, which is why governments worldwide are beginning to recognize the potential dangers associated with such misunderstandings.

Contact the author: Kevin.Williams@InsideEVs.com

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