Topics
Latest
AI
Amazon
Image Credits:WeRide
Apps
Biotech & Health
Climate
Image Credits:WeRide
Cloud Computing
Commerce
Crypto
Enterprise
EVs
Fintech
Fundraising
contrivance
Gaming
Government & Policy
Hardware
Layoffs
Media & Entertainment
Meta
Microsoft
concealment
Robotics
Security
Social
infinite
startup
TikTok
Transportation
speculation
More from TechCrunch
Events
Startup Battlefield
StrictlyVC
Podcasts
television
Partner Content
TechCrunch Brand Studio
Crunchboard
Contact Us
Chinese autonomous fomite ship’s company WeRide has receive the green visible radiation to test its driverless fomite with passengers in California .
The step come as WeRide begins the process to go public on the U.S. stock market at a nearly$5 billion valuation . The timing also coincides with paper that the Commerce Department isconsidering a banon Chinese connected vehicles — which include self-directed vehicle — due tonational security concerns .
As of August 2 , WeRide holdstwo permitsfrom the California Public Utilities Commission : A drivered pilot permit and a driverless pilot permit . Both allow WeRide to quiz its vehicles on public roads while transport passenger — the former with a human safety driver behind the wheel , and the latter without one . The permit do not yet allow WeRide to tear passengers for rides , and the service is n’t uncommitted to the world-wide public .
WeRide did not answer to requests for further point , include whether it has set about transporting passengers in its autonomous vehicle . A spokesperson from the CPUC told TechCrunch WeRide is let to essay in San Jose and nearby areas , and that the company has 12 participating vehicles on its equipment list today .
WeRide has been try out its vehicles autonomously without passengerson public roads in San Josesince 2021 after receiving permits from the California Department of Motor Vehicles .
The ship’s company ’s rollout in California has been slow . In 2023 , WeRide ’s vehicle drive just 42,391 miles autonomously in the state , per DMV data . By comparison , Waymo aim over 9 million autonomous statute mile .
WeRide has shared small about its plans for commercializing in California . Its CPUC license notes that WeRide is “ confine to the use of fomite induct few than 16 hoi polloi , including the equipment driver . ” This judicial admission — which is n’t in Waymo ’s , Cruise ’s or Zoox ’s permits — could be in gaze to WeRide ’s different vehicle type . In addition to a robotaxi , WeRide has also work up arobobus , which seat up to 10 passengers .
Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
WeRide touts itself as the first sovereign driving company in the world that is operate and screen in 30 city across seven country . The startup deem permits to drive autonomously on public roadstead in four land : China , Singapore , the UAEand the U.S. Aside from its robotaxi and robobus , WeRide is also working on a robovan ( for goods manner of speaking ) , a robotic street carpet sweeper and ADAS for OEMs .
