Zeekr Group, a premium brand under Chinese automaker Geely, announced on Tuesday its plans to launch an electric SUV featuring technology that allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel. This marks a notable advancement in the race to develop smart driving technology.
The upcoming Zeekr 9X SUV will be equipped with Level 3-ready autonomous driving features, powered by the company’s G-Pilot artificial intelligence-driven smart driving system, according to the company’s statement. The vehicle is scheduled for its official unveiling at the Shanghai Auto Show, with deliveries slated to commence in the second half of 2025.
Whether drivers will be able to use the Level 3 autonomous driving features on Chinese roads hinges on regulatory approval. The auto industry categorizes autonomous driving into five levels, from Level 1 (cruise control) to Level 5 (full self-driving). Level 3 signifies the ability of a car to operate without human supervision. In effect, drivers will be permitted to remove their eyes from the road and their hands from the steering wheel for prolonged periods. Despite this, they must remain prepared to regain control within seconds.
Worldwide, Level 3 technology has primarily been employed on a trial basis. In June, China authorized a group of nine automakers, including BYD and Nio, in addition to state-owned manufacturers like Changan Automobile and Guangzhou Automobile Group, to conduct trials on Level 3 vehicles on public roads. These evaluations serve as a critical prerequisite for regulatory approval for the public sale and commercial deployment of these vehicles in China.
Under Chinese regulations, automakers assume legal responsibility for traffic incidents in the event of Level 3 system malfunctions. Drivers are still required to maintain constant attention and assume control of vehicles equipped with Level 2 capabilities, such as Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system.
Geely owns Zeekr, which cooperated with Qianli Technology, a company associated with Megvii founder Yin Qi, to introduce G-Pilot at the beginning of this month.
