TuSimple gets Shanghai’s nod to road test self-driving trucks

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Self-driving truck startup TuSimple has recently been granted the permit that allows its autonomous truck fleet to carry freight on public roads in Shanghai, according to a posting on TuSimple's WeChat account, a positive sign for the company to monetize the technology.

The pilot application will be carried out on designated roads in Lin-gang Logistics Park, Donghai Bridge and Yangshan Deep Water Port and the main urban areas of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lin-gang Special Area.

Photo credit: TuSimple

Founded in 2015, TuSimple is developing commercial-ready Level 4 autonomous driving solution for the logistics industry based on computer vision, algorithms, mapping and artificial intelligence to ensure safer road conditions, lower logistics costs and cleaner air. Its autopilot trucks are capable of self-driving in two vital logistics areas, namely trunk transportation and semi-closed hub scenarios, such as port and logistics parks.

In October 2018, TuSimple received China's first license that allows road tests of self-driving trucks. On April 25, 2019 Shanghai announced the first batch of artificial intelligence pilot application scenarios, and TuSimple was selected as the future solution provider for "AI+ transportation" application scenarios. The company said its self-driving trucks have to-day driven for over 247,000 kilometers in relevant logistics scenarios in Lin-gang Special Area.

TuSimple completed its Series E funding this year with $415 million raised. The startup said it will further promote the application of its autonomous trucks in Lin-gang Special Area.

By the end of 2020, Shanghai had opened up a total of 243 roads that spans 559.87 kilometers for the road tests of intelligent-connected vehicles (ICVs), according to a report recently issued by the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission. Meanwhile, the megacity had granted 22 companies 152 license plates in total that allow them to carry out ICV road tests or pilot applications.