Driverless lorries hit China’s highways
Autonomous trucks are already in use on Chinese highways, notably between Beijing and Tianjin Port. These trucks are fully loaded and capable of navigating public roads without human input.
Safety drivers are still legally required, but most of the driving is now automated. According to BBC News, this may change soon as confidence in the technology grows.
Huo Kangtian, a 32-year-old safety driver, describes the moment he hands over control. “At first, it was scary. But over time, I realized how reliable these machines can be.”
From safety driver to system overseer
Huo’s role is to act as a safeguard. In emergencies, he must be ready to take over immediately. Yet he also notes that self-driving reduces stress and fatigue during long hauls.
Does automation make his job dull? Not at all. “It’s more interesting now,” he says.
Asked about future job security, Huo offers a cautious response: “I don’t really know.” It’s a common uncertainty in the age of automation.
Why logistics firms are betting big on autonomy
According to Pony.ai, the company behind the truck fleet, driverless technology will greatly increase transportation efficiency. Vice President Li Hengyu believes it will reduce costs while also handling extreme driving conditions.
Industry expert Prof. Yang Ruigang, from Shanghai Jiaotong University, agrees. “Cutting driver costs to near zero makes a strong business case,” he tells the BBC.
Still, full autonomy on open highways remains about five years away.
Gaining public trust is key for the China’s Driverless Trucks:
The technology may be ready, but the public isn’t. A recent fatal crash involving a self-driving car sparked national outrage in China, highlighting widespread concern.
As Chim Lee of the Economist Intelligence Unit notes, “Even if trucks operate only in specific zones, public perception will drive policy and adoption.”
Yang adds, “Humans can forgive human mistakes. But people expect machines to be perfect.”
Hefei becomes China’s self-driving testbed
In Hefei, a city in Anhui Province, hundreds of driverless delivery vans navigate suburban streets. They transport parcels from major distribution centers to neighborhood stations, where scooter couriers take over.
Gary Huang, CEO of Rino.ai, explains the model: “The vans handle long routes, while people manage local deliveries. It boosts overall efficiency.”
Rino is now active in 50 cities and plans to expand to Australia later this year.
Why Hefei is leading the way
Hefei has embraced the technology thanks to a mix of local government support, real-world testing, and fast-evolving regulations.
Today, autonomous vans navigate smoothly: changing lanes, signaling turns, and stopping at red lights.
Zhang Qichen, Rino’s regional director, points out the cost advantage. “Three electric vans cost the same as one human driver—and run for days.”
What’s next for China’s driverless trucks?
While promising, self-driving lorries still face big hurdles. Heavy trucks need long-range sensors, weather-resistant systems, and smart infrastructure like embedded road sensors.
Moreover, most of these trucks are still retrofitted. Purpose-built autonomous vehicles are still rare.
Still, experts like Professor Yang are optimistic. “On straight, controlled highways? Absolutely, within five years.”
Conclusion: A cautious yet determined road ahead
China wants to lead in transport automation, and driverless trucks are a key part of that vision. But success will depend not just on tech—but on regulation, reliability, and public trust.
As Chim Lee puts it, “This must be seen as a step forward for society, not a threat to jobs or safety.”
