WeRide Achieves Level-4 Driverless Permit in France
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a leader in autonomous driving technology, has reached an important milestone by securing a Level-4 driverless public road testing and operating permit in France. Collaborating with beti, a prominent player in the French autonomous mobility network, this achievement positions WeRide as the only technology company globally to hold driverless permits across five countries: China, the UAE, Singapore, France, and the U.S. This recognition showcases WeRide's commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and its advancement in the competitive field of autonomous mobility.
Streamlined Regulatory Approval Process
To obtain a driverless permit in France, WeRide navigated through the comprehensive regulations under the 2019 PACTE law. This law requires approval from various government agencies, including the Directorate General for Energy and Climate (DGEC), the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Ecological Transition. The process involved rigorous evaluations of technical documentation and operational plans. Remarkably, WeRide and beti completed this process in just three months, achieving a record for the fastest driverless permit approval in France. This quick turnaround reflects WeRide's dedication to adhering to elevated European standards of safety and operational excellence.
Operational Capabilities and Future Plans
The newly acquired permit allows WeRide's autonomous minibus to operate at speeds up to 40 km/h, the highest speed approved for driverless vehicles in France to date. This innovative service is positioned to enhance public transportation options significantly. Further demonstrating their commitment to safe and efficient mobility, WeRide has recently launched Europe's first public-road commercial autonomous minibus service in Valence, Drôme, in collaboration with partners like Renault Group and Macif. This service began on February 27, with plans to expand into a fully driverless commercial operation by July 2025, featuring advanced remote hypervision capabilities.
Global Expansion and Technological Innovations
WeRide is not just a local player; this company has grown its footprint to encompass 30 cities across 10 different countries. Their innovative fleet includes various autonomous vehicles such as robotaxis, robobuses, and robosweepers that have already been deployed successfully in multiple countries, including France, Spain, Switzerland, Singapore, UAE, Japan, and others. This demonstrates WeRide's capacity to provide diverse mobility solutions that cater to different market needs.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Innovation
WeRide understands the value of collaboration and has established strategic partnerships with key players in the mobility industry. These collaborations include relationships with Uber, one of the largest mobility and delivery technology companies, as well as Renault Group, beti, CTM from Singapore, Zurich Airport, and Macif. By building an open and collaborative ecosystem, WeRide is positioned to accelerate the development and integration of autonomous technologies in various markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Level-4 driverless permit mean?
A Level-4 driverless permit allows a vehicle to operate autonomously under specific conditions without human intervention, enhancing public safety and efficiency.
How long did WeRide take to get their permit in France?
WeRide, in partnership with beti, completed the permit process in just three months, which is a record for France.
What speed can WeRide's autonomous minibus operate at?
The autonomous minibus can operate at speeds of up to 40 km/h, the highest speed approval for driverless vehicles in France so far.
When did WeRide launch its commercial autonomous minibus service?
WeRide launched the first public-road commercial autonomous minibus service in Europe on February 27, in Valence, Drôme.
Which countries does WeRide operate in?
WeRide has operations in 30 cities across 10 countries, including China, UAE, France, Spain, and Japan, among others.
