Academician: Autonomous Vehicles Must Ensure Full Lifecycle Safety

Li Jun, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and professor at Tsinghua University's School of Vehicle and Mobility, has declared that safety is the prerequisite for autonomous vehicles to enter public roads, emphasizing the need for assurance throughout their entire lifecycle. Jun made these remarks at the 2026 China Automotive Forum.

Professor Li outlined key shifts associated with autonomous vehicles entering the market. Firstly, the responsibility changes from the driver to the vehicle manufacturer and system provider. Secondly, unlike conventional cars approved for sale upon initial assessment, autonomous vehicles require comprehensive proof of safety. Thirdly, the definition of 'qualified' extends beyond the point of manufacture, necessitating continuous evidence of safety throughout the vehicle's operational life.

This emphasis on safety follows recent actions by China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Earlier this month, the MIIT held a meeting with key automotive companies, stressing the need to strengthen safety assessments for assisted driving and autonomous driving functions. The ministry urged manufacturers to enhance their capabilities in functional safety, cybersecurity, data security, and software updates.

The MIIT's meeting also highlighted the importance of monitoring and managing safety incidents. Manufacturers were reminded to uphold the principles of "safety first, quality foremost" and to accept responsibility for product safety and public well-being. This includes proactive risk prevention throughout the product lifecycle, from design and verification to manufacturing and after-sales service, to protect consumer rights.