DiDi begins 24/7 fully driverless ride-hailing trials in Guangzhou

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Fresh off its deployment at the 15th National Games, DiDi Autonomous Driving has begun round-the-clock, fully driverless ride-hailing trials in designated pilot zones in Guangzhou. Starting December 1, users placing orders through the DiDi app may be matched with a vehicle that operates without any in-car safety driver, marking a major milestone in the company's push toward commercial-level autonomy.

Photo source: DiDi Autonomous Driving

As one of Guangzhou's official urban innovation partners, DiDi's autonomous driving arm has positioned itself at the center of the city's smart-mobility blueprint. The company served as the Games' official autonomous transport provider earlier this year, offering shuttle services around major venues. The launch of 24-hour driverless operations extends that role and signals a transition from event-based demonstrations to continuous public-service deployment.

The pilot covers Guangzhou's Huangpu district, a dense residential and commercial hub with heavy daily travel demand. Stops include metro stations, schools, shopping centers, office parks and residential compounds, and the service runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Riders can request a driverless vehicle through the autonomous driving tab in the DiDi app or opt into mixed dispatch when entering a destination. The platform determines the best match based on pick-up locations, traffic conditions, dispatch distance and real-time supply and demand.

When a rider is assigned a fully driverless vehicle, the doors can be unlocked via the app or automatically upon approach. During the trip, passengers may adjust their destination or request to stop at a safe location. A built-in display offers one-tap access to remote customer support. Throughout the trial, DiDi will collect user feedback to refine its service processes and improve the in-car experience.

DiDi received its remote (safety-operator-free) road-testing permit for connected autonomous vehicles in November 2022. Since then, it has concentrated on building capabilities for complex urban scenarios, running more than a year of internal and limited public trials. According to the company, its driverless fleet now maintains stable performance across demanding conditions — including rush-hour congestion, low-light nighttime environments, glare at dusk and rainy-weather operations — underscoring its readiness for wider-scale deployment.