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Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Tough questions lie ahead as Singapore accelerates push for driverless vehicles
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE - During a two-day visit to Guangzhou in late June, a delegation led by Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow had a taste of what transportation could look like in Singapore in the coming years . Ushered into Toyota Siennas fitted with low-profile cameras and light detection and ranging (Lidar) sensors , the contingent of government officials and union representatives was taken on a ride through the streets of Nansha district at the southern tip of the Chinese port city . This is where robotaxi company has been operating commercially since 2022. Peeling out of the company's operations centre into moderate traffic, the minivans drove at the speed limit of 60kmh and navigated a number of complex intersections with ease - switching lanes and overtaking other vehicles, all without a driver or a safety operator on board. Later, in an interview with Singapore media, who were invited to join the delegation on the trip, ComfortDelGro group chief executive Cheng Siak Kian said self-driving technology has improved by leaps and bounds. 'You will quickly forget that you are in a vehicle that has got no driver inside,' he said. The interior of a Robotaxi at the Auto Shanghai show in Shanghai, on April 24. PHOTO: REUTERS His words rang true for this reporter, who got a chance to take vehicle, as well as a self-driving minibus operated by the Guangzhou Public Transport Group and supplied by Chinese firm WeRide. There was some novelty in seeing an empty driver's seat and a steering wheel turn on its own . In WeRide's case, there was no steering wheel at all. The smooth rides meant there was hardly any trepidation. 'Seeing is believing,' said chief executive James Peng. Like it or not, the driverless future is upon us. But even as the technology has shown maturity, it has also raised important questions to which there are no easy answers. For instance, the safety records touted by the likes of and WeRide are impressive, but their self-driving vehicles have until recently been limited to areas far from the city centre. In February, was allowed to operate paid robotaxi services from specific points in the downtown area to key transit hubs such as Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. The routes are, however, pre-determined and there must be a safety driver on board because the journey involves going onto expressways, where robotaxi services have not been extensively tested yet. Separately, in May, WeRide's robobus was given the nod to operate on a paid public bus route in central Guangzhou, but only from 7pm to 9pm. This is part of a phased approach by the Guangzhou Public Transport Group. So, there is still a long way to go to definitively prove that autonomous vehicles will , indeed, improve road safety and outperform human drivers. Self-driving companies also envi sage a future where remote operators can monitor a number of autonomous vehicles from afar and intervene as needed. But how many vehicles should each operator be allowed to supervise at any time? That is still up for debate, even in places such as Guangzhou, where such remote operations are already in place. Regulators will also need to consider whether existing traffic rules and liability laws are sufficient, and whether insurers are ready to handle claims involving autonomous vehicles. In China, there are no clear self-driving vehicle regulations on the national level, with the policing left largely to local city governments. And despite rising adoption, Ping An Insurance is today the only insurer in the country that has come up with a dedicated policy for autonomous vehicles. In Guangzhou, existing laws and frameworks apply. In Shenzhen, the vehicle owner is liable if there is no one at the wheel. Britain took a different tack, passing an Act in May 2024 that will create new legal entities - likely the vehicle manufacturer and software developer - and hold them responsible if an autonomous vehicle breaks traffic rules when driving itself. This will take effect in 2027. Singapore, which took baby steps in 2017 to regulate the testing of self-driving vehicles, will need to conduct a thorough review soon to decide which legal path it wants to take. The Government will also need to grapple with the wider societal impact , too. Can workers make the transition to the new jobs that self-driving companies say will emerge , given the different skills needed? Could self-driving vehicles breed complacency among road users and pedestrians? An overreliance on automated systems to make the right decisions can lead to reduced vigilance . All this, and more, will need to be addressed sooner rather than later. In just a few months, autonomous shuttles will take to the roads of Punggol, plying short fixed routes within the estate, as part of a major push by the Ministry of Transport to roll out driverless technology . Private companies here have also re-entered the autonomous vehicle space after earlier attempts sputtered . Most recently, Grab said on July 8 it will test a 22-seat driverless shuttle for its employees . This comes nine years after the ride-hailing giant made history in 2016 by launching the world's first robotaxi trials in one-north business park in a tie-up with US start-up nuTonomy , which was later sold . Aims to start a fully fledged service never materialised. While there is a renewed push here to get autonomous vehicles on the road as quickly as possible, that is not to say that Singapore is throwing caution to the wind. MOT has said the deployment of the driverless shuttles in Punggol will be done in steps, and the vehicles will not ferry any passengers until residents and road users are more comfortable with them. There will be a safety officer on board, and only if the technology is established to be safe enough will they be replaced by remote operators. Additionally, the idea is for the autonomous shuttles to supplement the public transport network and create more travel options , and not replace existing services. Hence, even though and Baidu's robotaxi subsidiary Apollo Go have said they are keen to start trials here as soon as the end of 2025, don't expect to be able to hail a self-driving cab ride any time soon. And even with Singapore's more considered approach, the Government must begin to tackle the pressing questions head-on, and communicate clearly its considerations and intentions to the public. The city of Wuhan in China presents a cautionary tale for how the roll-out of driverless vehicles must take into account the views of all parties. In 2024, plans to rapidly scale up a self-driving taxi fleet in the capital of Hubei province drew fierce backlash from local cabbies, who petitioned the municipal transport authority to limit its use. A major reason for the unhappiness is the aggressive discounts that Apollo Go, which operates the robotaxis there, has been offering passengers to gain market share, heightening fears about job security. Despite its ubiquity in cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, the likes of Waymo have also not been able to turn public opinion fully in their favour. A 2024 survey by the American Automobile Association found that 91 per cent of drivers in the US do not trust self-driving vehicles. High-profile accidents and congestion caused by stalling driverless vehicles have not helped with the public perception. In an attempt to win over sceptics, Waymo in 2024 began releasing a lot more data about its safety record and adding more nuance to its numbers , for example, by highlighting the number of collisions that are at low speed . To bolster its claims, the company has also started to publish research papers that have been peer-reviewed. As Singapore ramps up autonomous vehicle use, there needs to be a similar level of openness about the risks and pitfalls. This will help build public trust in what remains a nascent concept to many Singaporeans.
Business Times
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Times
Huawei and SP to launch Singapore's fastest public EV charger
[SINGAPORE] China technology giant Huawei and SP Group will launch the Republic's fastest electric vehicle (EV) charger in the fourth quarter of 2025. In a joint statement on Tuesday (Jul 8), the two companies said the 'ultra-fast' charger will be located in Temasek Polytechnic and is capable of charging at up to 480 kilowatts (kW), although this is dependent on the power available at the installation site. They also signed a memorandum of understanding on co-developing and deploying high-powered charging systems in strategic locations in Singapore, and technical sharing to accelerate the development of fast and ultra-fast charging infrastructure. The agreement will support not just passenger EVs but commercial ones as well, including logistics fleets and private buses. Maxi Wang, chief executive officer of Huawei International, said the charger is 'designed to meet fleet operators' demands... and easily scalable to accommodate future needs'. Dean Cher, managing director for mobility at SP Group, said: 'The deployment of Singapore's fastest EV charger is a critical step in electrifying heavy goods vehicles. Less time spent charging means reduced downtime and improved fleet efficiency – both essential to driving green logistics for the nation.' BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Earlier this year, Singapore announced incentives for commercial electric heavy vehicles of S$40,000 a vehicle, and co-funding of up to S$30,000 per accompanying charger. While consumer EVs typically have batteries with a capacity of less than 100 kilowatt-hour (kWh), electric heavy vehicles have larger units of more than 200 kWh. At maximum power, the charger can add 200 km of range to an EV in five minutes. Provided by subsidiary Huawei Digital Power Technologies and part of SP Mobility's charging network, it will be the quickest publicly available EV charger in Singapore and have at least four charging points. Heat, the biggest limiting factor for EV charging speeds, is managed by a liquid cooling system for both the charging unit and cable, making the charger the first publicly available one with this technology. The next quickest EV charger – Tesla's Supercharger – tops out at 250 kW and adds 270 km of range in 15 minutes, according to the carmaker. Other existing fast chargers in Singapore typically range from 60 to 120 kW of power. Slower chargers, such as those located in most Housing and Development Board multistorey car parks, can usually output 7.4 kW. These take more than two hours to deliver the same amount charge as a 120 kW charger does in 10 minutes. Earlier this year at Auto Shanghai, Huawei unveiled an even faster 1,500 kW charger aimed at heavy vehicles that can charge a 300 kWh battery pack in 15 minutes. As at November 2024, there were more than 15,300 charging stations in Singapore, with more than 7,100 publicly available.
Arabian Post
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Post
Dubai Accelerates Driverless Trials with Pony.ai Alliance
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has formalised a Memorandum of Understanding with Pony. ai to commence pilot trials of self‑driving vehicles across the emirate later this year, laying the foundation for a fully driverless commercial service by 2026. The agreement marks a pivotal milestone in Dubai's Smart Self‑Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert a quarter of the city's journey volume into autonomous mobility by 2030. Senior figures from both organisations attended the signing ceremony: Mattar Al Tayer, Director‑General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA, alongside Dr Leo Wang, Chief Financial Officer of Pony. ai. The MoU was executed by Ahmed Hashim Bahrozyan, CEO of the RTA's Public Transport Agency, and Ann Shi, Vice‑President of Strategy and Business Development at Pony. ai. The pilot phase, scheduled for global launch later this year, will deploy Pony. ai's seventh‑generation autonomous vehicles, developed through collaboration with Toyota, GAC and BAIC. Equipped with an advanced sensor array—including lidars, radars and high‑resolution cameras—these vehicles are engineered for complex urban environments and diverse weather conditions. ADVERTISEMENT The MoU signals a deeper commitment to integrating autonomous vehicles into Dubai's existing transport ecosystem. Al Tayer highlighted that driverless taxis will enhance first‑ and last‑mile connectivity, reduce road congestion, elevate safety, and seamlessly complement public transport networks. Reflecting on the strategic nature of the alliance, Pony. ai CFO Dr Wang described it as a 'foundational standard for intelligent transportation ecosystems' across the MENA region. Dubai's broader mobility agenda encompasses not only autonomous road transport but also urban air mobility, with plans for commercial eVTOL services by 2026, and a transition to hybrid and electric public transport by 2027. To support this shift, the RTA has accelerated the deployment of EV charging infrastructure, with over 300 stations currently in operation and a target of 1,000 by 2025. On a regional level, Chinese autonomous vehicle companies are expanding rapidly into Gulf states, drawn by receptive regulation and rising demand. Pony. ai and WeRide are advancing trials in Dubai and Saudi cities, with Baidu targeting Abu Dhabi. With Gulf governments committed to having around 25 per cent of transport autonomous by 2030, the region is emerging as a testing ground for next‑generation mobility. Pony. ai brings considerable operational experience to the partnership. The firm currently operates a fleet of approximately 300 robotaxis in China and has established driverless ride‑hailing services in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, as well as ongoing trials in the United States, South Korea and Luxembourg. Its seventh‑generation kit was first showcased at Auto Shanghai in April 2025 and offers a 70% bill‑of‑materials cost reduction, optimised for both cost and performance. Dubai's regulatory environment has proven critical to attracting partnerships. The emirate's Smart Self‑Driving Transport Strategy outlines ambitious goals for sustainable, tech‑driven mobility, supported by digital governance and public‑private collaboration. Industry analysts note the region's strong infrastructure and capital availability make it fertile ground for autonomous deployment. As the pilot moves forward, several key factors will determine its success: the performance and reliability of the autonomous fleet, regulatory oversight and licensing, integration with other services, and public acceptance. Pony. ai's prior experience with fully driverless operations—with regulatory suspensions and recalls already navigated in China and California—suggests a readiness to meet such challenges. By establishing mass‑production targets in the latter half of 2025 and scaling fleet deployment over the following two years, Pony. ai aims for rapid adoption of its technology. The Dubai partnership presents a high‑profile test case that could influence adoption patterns across the Middle East and beyond. Observers say the timing is opportune: urban centres in the Gulf are grappling with taxi shortages and traffic challenges, creating demand for scalable, autonomous alternatives. Dubai's move also complements its wider sustainability ambition, including hybrid and electric fleets and flying taxis, reinforcing its position as a global mobility innovator. The RTA‑Pony. ai deal thus represents a convergence of advanced vehicle technology, bold regulatory support and strategic urban planning. Its outcome will shape public perceptions, regulatory frameworks and commercial viability of driverless transport across a region ready to lead in autonomous innovation.
The Standard
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Standard
China's Changan plans European factory, executive says
A Changan logo is pictured at the Changan booth during a media day for the Auto Shanghai show in Shanghai, China April 24, 2025. (Reuters)
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Forget Tesla? China's $41,000 Cybertruck Clone Comes With Steer-By-Wire, Adaptive Chassis, And A Wheel That Moves Side To Side
A new electric truck from China is turning heads—and it's not just because of the price. The Pickup 01 from Guangzhou Automobile Group debuted in Shanghai with some jaw-dropping features, including a steer-by-wire system, an adaptive suspension,and a steering wheel that slides from one side of the dash to the other. At just $41,000, it's already being compared to Tesla's (NASDAQ:TSLA) Cybertruck—but with more features and a much smaller price tag. Don't Miss: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Inspired by Uber and Airbnb – Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets – Content creator Joyevs Studio filmed the Pickup 01 during media day at Auto Shanghai on May 1, sharing a walk-around video that promptly hit seven digits in view count. According to Technode, the concept truck delivers 12,000 Newton-meter of wheel torque, uses an intelligent chassis system that scans the road 1,000 times per second and relies on steer-by-wire so the wheel can glide from right- to left-hand drive in seconds. Lifestyle outlet Supercar Blondie indicated that the adaptive chassis flexes or stiffens on demand, letting the truck hop from gravel to tarmac while passengers barely notice. A sliding steering wheel is more than a gimmick; it eliminates a heavy column, frees cabin space, and slashes tooling for export markets with opposite-side traffic. Trending: Invest where it hurts — and help millions heal:. Steer-by-wire is edging toward the mainstream. Unlike traditional systems with a physical steering column, steer-by-wire means the Pickup 01 doesn't need a physical steering column. Instead, it digitally transmits steering input, simplifying the mechanical architecture and freeing up cabin space. The system eliminates bulky parts like shafts and joints, making interior layouts more flexible and cutting production complexity. Numbers matter too. The Pickup 01's torque tops the roughly 1,400 Nm listed for the tri-motor Cybertruck on the EV Database spec sheet. Tesla prices its entry-level Cybertruck at $62,490 on the official order page, giving GAC's sticker a 33% discount. Tesla began Cybertruck deliveries in late 2023, but a February steering-rack recall briefly drew scrutiny, giving rivals room to strut. GAC executives at the show said production of the Pickup 01 is scheduled for 2027, with pilot fleets bound for Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Latin America, highlighting its "all-domain" versatility, GAC Adaptive Intelligent Architecture intelligent platform, and focus on export-driven growth under the company's One GAC 2.0 globalization strategy. Read Next: Maximize saving for your retirement and cut down on taxes: . Here's what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. Image: Shutterstock UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Forget Tesla? China's $41,000 Cybertruck Clone Comes With Steer-By-Wire, Adaptive Chassis, And A Wheel That Moves Side To Side originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
