DiDi-backed KargoBot receives Inner Mongolia’s first road test license for autonomous heavy-duty trucks

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- KargoBot, the autonomous driving truck solution provider backed by DiDi, recently obtained the inaugural heavy-duty truck autonomous driving road test license, labeled "Meng K0001 Test," issued by the authority of Kangbashi district, Ordos city, Inner Mongolia. This marks the region's first authorization for autonomous driving heavy trucks to conduct road tests and reinforces KargoBot's commitment to accelerating unmanned cargo transport.

Photo credit:  KargoBot

As a central district within Ordos city, Kangbashi has been actively fostering intelligent connected transportation as a pilot and demonstration zone. The district has achieved comprehensive openness in the testing of smart connected roads. The license newly issued enables KargoBot to conduct Level 4 autonomous driving heavy-duty truck tests on open roads in Ordos city. This initiative is expected to propel the development of the autonomous driving industry and enhance the intelligent evolution of the logistics sector.

Wei Junqing, CEO of KargoBot, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Securing Inner Mongolia's first Level 4 autonomous driving truck test license is a significant acknowledgment of KargoBot's core technology, industrial capabilities, and operational management system. Following our approval for public road testing with production models in Beijing in October 2023, this achievement stands as another pivotal milestone." Highlighting the region's abundant energy and mineral resources, Weijunqing sees Kangbashi's Intelligent Connected Vehicle Demonstration Zone as an ideal environment for progressing KargoBot's unmanned technology and commercial applications. The company aims to strengthen collaborations and contribute to the application of Level 4 autonomous freight technology in Inner Mongolia and nationwide, creating additional value in the long-haul logistics sector.

KargoBot's autonomous truck fleet employs a hybrid intelligent convoy system, where a lead driver navigates the fleet, guiding multiple Level 4 autonomous trucks. This fleet autonomously forms, disbands, and changes lanes, efficiently adapting to various traffic scenarios, toll booths, and traffic lights.

Since 2021, KargoBot has been consistently advancing the development of Level 4 autonomous driving technology for long-haul freight and commercializing operations tailored for bulk commodities. The company has conducted routine testing and operations in Northern and Northwestern China, covering diverse scenarios in short, medium, and long-haul transportation. Presently, KargoBot transports over 2.5 million tonnes of goods annually, accumulating a total pilot operation distance exceeding 4.4 million kilometers.