Chongqing - The development of intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs) is a cross-disciplinary and integrated industry requiring a specialized, China-centric approach, said Dr. Du Xiaoping, cloud monitoring expert of the Western China Science City Innovation Center of Intelligent and Connected Vehicles (WICV) recently. 

The Chinese blueprint for ICVs has gained industry-wide acceptance in recent years. It aims to integrate vehicles, roads, cloud services, networks, and maps. It has technical characteristics that enable collaborative sensing, decision-making, and control functions, as well as social attributes that meet the requirements for using and managing China’s transportation and communication infrastructure.

Initially introduced by the research team led by Academician Li Keqiang from WICV, the concept aims to provide a more cohesive, safer, and energy-efficient solution. 

The WICV team researched Chinese solutions for ICVs. (Photo/Zeng Cheng)

China’s unique vehicle intelligence system models

Du elaborated on how the Chinese approach to ICV development utilizes various cutting-edge technologies, including 5G, BeiDou Navigation Satellite systems, and cloud computing. These technologies reduce manufacturing costs and elevate low-cost smart cars into high-value, advanced vehicles.

A key distinction in China’s strategy is the development of unique vehicle intelligence system models. Unlike the models predominantly used in developed countries, China’s innovative approach offers a novel perspective on creating integrated and efficient mobility solutions.

“We’ve broken new ground by introducing the concept of vehicle-road-cloud integration, setting the stage for China to emerge as a global leader in the ICV landscape,” added Du.

Du highlighted an ongoing trend and highlighted a broad shift toward unifying roads, vehicles, and communication technologies. This comprehensive approach is expected to boost ecological sustainability while driving the high-quality development of China’s ICV industry.

Samples of autonomous driving cars in Chongqing. (Photo/Zeng Cheng)

A solid foundation for the future of ICV development

Renowned as a national advanced manufacturing center, Chongqing stands out as a dynamic leader in the automobile industry. It houses both traditional automakers and emerging market disruptors, laying a solid foundation for the future of ICV development. 

Du emphasized that integrating cars, energy, roads, and cloud technology is now a part of the national development strategy. 

“Chongqing boasts inherent strengths in automotive manufacturing,” he noted. “When you combine that with the city’s extensive resources for testing and verification, it’s clear that Chongqing is well-positioned to become China’s leader in ICVs.”

Further enhancing its prospects, the Western (Chongqing) Science City strives to establish a balanced development pattern incorporating ICVs, intelligent transportation systems, and state-of-the-art facilities. The initiative is to foster a synergistic environment for the various components of modern transportation.