Shanghai accelerates autonomous driving rollout with full opening of Pudong test roads by year-end

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On July 28, during the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2025), Han Dadong, director of the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Economy and Informatization's automotive industry division, revealed in an interview that Shanghai aims to fully open all autonomous driving test roads in Pudong New Area by the end of the year, while also expanding access in other districts such as Fengxian and Minhang.

Notably, the plan excludes heavily congested areas such as Lujiazui. In Minhang, the rollout will cover key hubs like the Hongqiao transportation interchange. Fengxian's opening will focus on targeted scenarios due to its currently underdeveloped autonomous driving ecosystem, aiming to connect existing test areas through newly accessible roads.

On July 26, during the WAIC 2025, Shanghai issued new demonstration licenses for intelligent connected vehicles, allowing companies such as Pony.ai, Baidu Apollo, and SAIC AI LAB to begin charging for autonomous ride services in core urban areas.

Simultaneously, Shanghai released a special action plan, targeting more than 6 million L4 autonomous passenger rides and over 5,000 km of open roads by 2027, with over 90% of new vehicles supporting L2/L3 assisted driving capabilities.

The action plan proposes expanding open zones, diversifying test scenarios, and establishing industry standards for key services like autonomous delivery and parking. It also calls for new infrastructure such as a safety-focused lab for intelligent vehicles to support verification and operational readiness.

Mr. Han concluded by stating that Shanghai will accelerate its drive to become a global leader in high-level autonomous driving by coordinating efforts across data platforms, training bases, key technologies, and regulatory frameworks.