Chongqing - Bridging News had an exclusive interview with Yao Jie, Senior Deputy Secretary-General of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM), on November 20, who believes China's Solution for intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) is more adaptable than Tesla's recognition system, especially to the challenges encountered on Chinese roads and better cater to local market demands. 

Yao explained that through China's model of Intelligent Vehicle + Network Empowerment, the intelligence level of vehicles can be further enhanced with a faster iteration speed, better suited to the practical conditions in China, including its unique traffic environments, road conditions, and driving behaviors. 

Yao added that to comprehend this paradigm, they can liken intelligent vehicles to headlights and network empowerment to streetlights. The combination of headlights and streetlights complement each other and represent the ultimate goal of integrating vehicles, roads, and city development.

Yao Jie is the senior deputy secretary-general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). (Photo/Yao Jie)

Traffic lights: superior advantages of digital signals over analog signals

Despite the increased capabilities of Tesla's recognition system, Yao emphasized that without comprehensive network empowerment, their vision and ability to identify road risks remain limited.

In contrast, China's model of Intelligent Vehicle + Network Empowerment extends the forward recognition range of vehicles, allowing them to identify objects from greater distances with increased speed.

"China's Solution is more flexible than the technological path adopted by Tesla and similar entities," said Yao. The risk associated with Tesla's cancellation of network functions poses accuracy concerns, whereas China's approach through network empowerment not only enhances intelligence but better aligns with the specific needs of the Chinese market, ensuring greater sustainability.

Yao delves into the technological differences in signal recognition for intelligent connected vehicles, particularly in processing signals such as traffic lights. He pointed out that products like Tesla rely on analog signals for recognizing traffic signals, primarily based on color recognition such as red, yellow, and green.

In contrast, China's network empowerment in the future will utilize digital signals for scenarios like traffic lights and intersections. This means that a corresponding digital signal will be emitted alongside a red light, providing vehicles with a more efficient and secure recognition solution.

Yao stressed the superior advantages of digital signals, including faster recognition speeds unaffected by weather conditions or nighttime visibility issues, contributing to a more flexible and efficient recognition system. This technological foundation establishes a robust footing for the future development of intelligent connected vehicles.

Collaboration as an approach to China's ICV challenges

Yao also highlighted the four major challenges currently facing the development of China's ICVs: chip shortages, system challenges, industrial chain issues, and the development of road network clouds.

To address these challenges, he urged companies to recognize these difficulties clearly, proposing collaboration as a viable option while advocating support for developing ICVs in the Chinese automotive industry.

For instance, the birth of the Avatr 12 stands as a testament to the rising strength of China's intelligent automotive sector. This achievement results from the strategic collaboration between Changan, Huawei, and CATL.

With over 40 intelligent connected new energy vehicles-related enterprises already gathered, the Chongqing High-tech Zone is committed to building a complete industry chain ecosystem, covering complete vehicles, key components, charging infrastructure, and intelligent connected vehicle demonstration operations.

In late October, the first batch of seven ICVs collectively hitting the road in Western (Chongqing) Science City also symbolizes the initial establishment of a comprehensive industry ecosystem encompassing vehicle, road, cloud, network, and map.

"The Intelligent Vehicle + Network Empowerment model paves the way for China's NEVs industry," Yao said. "This distinctive development path positions China prominently in the global NEVs market."