Gasgoo Daily: BYD begins L3 autonomous driving mass-production internal testing

With Gasgoo Daily, we will offer daily important automotive news in China. For those we have reported, the title of the piece will include a hyperlink, which will provide detailed information.

BYD begins L3 autonomous driving mass-production internal testing

Who: BYD, in cooperation with the Transport Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality and other relevant authorities

What: Launch of comprehensive internal testing for mass-production-oriented Level 3 autonomous driving

When: Reported on December 17

Where: Shenzhen, China

Testing conducted on open expressways and arterial roads approved in Shenzhen

How (Testing Details): Completed more than 150,000 kilometers of real-world road testing

Test scenarios include rainy conditions, nighttime driving, and road construction environments

Industry Context:

L3 autonomous driving in China is transitioning from testing toward the pre-commercialization stage

Regulatory Background:

On December 15, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) officially released the first batch of L3 conditional autonomous driving vehicle access approvals

Changan Automobile and ARCFOX were the first companies to receive approval

Their L3 functions are currently limited to specific road sections in Chongqing and Beijing

BYD’s Regulatory Status:

In 2024, BYD became one of nine companies selected as part of the national pilot program for L3 autonomous driving access and road operation, jointly launched by four national ministries

Policy Timeline:

As early as 2021, relevant authorities began in-depth research on intelligent connected vehicle access and road operation policies

In November 2023, four ministries issued a notice to launch access and road operation pilots for L3 and L4 intelligent connected vehicles

In June 2024, nine consortiums were approved to conduct pilot programs across seven cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou

Industry Outlook:

Some automakers, including Great Wall Motor, believe 2026 will be the key year for highway L3 adoption, with urban L3 mass production expected around 2027

NIO adjusts rear entertainment features on new ES8 due to chip shortage

Who: NIO

What: Adjustment to the rear-seat entertainment expansion function of the new ES8 due to chip supply shortages

When: Announcement made on December 17

Changes apply to vehicles entering final assembly from December 22, 2025

Why:

Shortage of expansion chips required for the rear entertainment system

Adjustment aims to ensure vehicle delivery schedules

How (Feature Changes):

Rear entertainment experience is largely unaffected for most users

Functions no longer supported:

Local video playback via USB flash drive

Video output from the vehicle system to an external display via the USB-C port in the center armrest

Functions unaffected:

USB lossless music playback

Wireless screen casting

USB-C data input and wired screen casting (up to 1080P resolution)

Compensation Measures:

Users who lock in orders by December 31, 2025 and receive vehicles with the new solution will receive a one-time compensation of 15,000 NIO Points

Points will be issued within three days after vehicle delivery to the primary account holder

After chip supply improves, users may opt for the original solution via retrofit by paying 12,000 points or RMB 1,200

User Identification Guidance:

Vehicles using the new solution have visible differences in the USB-C port design in the front armrest

Customers can confirm details with their assigned NIO Fellow

Additional Clarification:

Vehicles that completed production before December 22 cannot be converted to the new technical solution

Product Background:

The new NIO ES8 was officially launched on September 20

Vehicle purchase price: RMB 406,800–446,800

Starting price with BaaS battery rental: RMB 298,800

Great Wall Motor's ORA 5 hits market with top-spec version powered by LiDAR

Who: ORA, an electric vehicle brand under Great Wall Motor

What: Official launch of the ORA 5 compact electric vehicle

When: December 16, 2025

Pricing:

Five variants introduced

Official price range: RMB 99,800–133,800

Limited-time trade-in price: from RMB 91,800

Additional purchase incentives available through December 31, 2025

Design:

Full-curved exterior design language

Distinctive front styling with "frog-eye" headlights

Six exterior color options offered

Interior & Features:

"Blank space" design concept inspired by traditional Chinese painting

Equipped with:

10.25-inch digital instrument cluster

15.6-inch floating central touchscreen

Coffee OS 3 system supports:

Dual-zone voice wake-up

Continuous voice recognition

"Visible-and-speak" interaction

 AI large-model integration

Driver Assistance:

Powered by Coffee Pilot Ultra system with LiDAR

Supports urban NOA without reliance on high-definition maps

Functions include:

Traffic light recognition

Intelligent lane changes

Obstacle avoidance

3 km memory parking (OTA)

Parking support for 200+ parking space types

Powertrain & Range:

Front-mounted single motor

Maximum power: 150 kW

Maximum torque: 260 N·m

CLTC range options: 480 km and 580 km