Biden admin's final rule banning Chinese connected cars also bars robotaxi testing on U.S. roads

The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued a final rule banning the sale or import of connected vehicles from China and Russia due to national security concerns. This rule also prohibits Chinese companies like WeRide and Pony AI from testing self-driving cars on U.S. roads. The software bans will take effect in the 2027 model year, and hardware prohibitions will follow in 2029. However, Chinese software developed before the new rules are exempt, provided Chinese firms do not have access to it. Vehicles heavier than 10,000 pounds, such as BYD's electric buses, are also exempt from the ban.

The ruling impacts several Chinese autonomous vehicle companies with testing permits in California, including Baidu-owned Apollo Autonomous Driving and WeRide, which can test without safety drivers, and Pony AI, which tests with a safety driver. Pony AI has acknowledged a slight risk to its U.S. operations due to the ban, noting minimal revenue impact. The California DMV has indicated it will align with the Commerce Department's enforcement of these prohibitions. TechCrunch is seeking clarification on whether the DMV will revoke existing permits following the announcement.

Key takeaways:

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced a final rule banning the sale or import of connected vehicles from China and Russia due to national security concerns.
The rule prohibits Chinese car companies like WeRide and Pony AI from testing self-driving cars on U.S. roads.
Software bans will take effect in the 2027 model year, and hardware prohibitions in 2029, with exemptions for vehicles heavier than 10,000 pounds.
The California DMV will follow the Commerce Department's lead in enforcing prohibitions on Chinese connected vehicle technology.

Biden admin's final rule banning Chinese connected cars also bars robotaxi testing on U.S. roads | TechCrunch

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