01:03 11-01-2026

Beijing launches a large L3 pilot with BAIC Polar Fox Alpha S

Beijing has launched a large-scale pilot featuring Baic Polar Fox Alpha S cars in the L3 version. After securing the capital’s first special license plates in December last year, three electric vehicles have already moved onto public roads — including the Jingtai Expressway, the North Airport Expressway, and the route to Daxing Airport.

For now, the focus is on partially automated driving: the cars can travel in a dedicated lane at speeds of up to 80 km/h, while the driver must remain behind the wheel and ready to take over at any moment. The system operates only within strictly defined areas; once the vehicle leaves them, automated driving disengages.

The project is being carried out jointly by BAIC New Energy and Beijing Travel, with the Baic Polar Fox Alpha S L3 expected to reach private customers in the second quarter of 2026. It marks a meaningful step in developing conditional autopilot in China and signals technological readiness for the next phase — broader deployment of driverless systems.

BAIC is leaning into a gradual evolution of self-driving technology, starting with a limited L3 scope on high-speed corridors. It’s a measured approach: large-scale testing in controlled conditions helps avoid premature risks while preserving an edge in autonomous solutions.