Timeline of city's development of robotaxi industry

In 2016, Shanghai establishes the country's first intelligent connected vehicle demonstration zone in Jiading district, marking an early entry into the emerging field.

On March 1, 2018, Shanghai issues China's first batch of license plates for the road testing of connected vehicles, permitting tests on a 5.6-kilometer road segment. That same day, the city also releases regulations on intelligent connected vehicles, becoming the second city in China after Beijing to introduce rules for autonomous vehicle road tests.

In 2019, Shanghai grants China's first batch of demonstration application licenses for intelligent connected vehicles.

In 2023, the city officially launches demonstration operations of its first intelligent connected taxis by issuing corresponding licenses to companies.

In July 2024, four companies obtain Shanghai's first batch of driverless intelligent connected vehicle demonstration application licenses, allowing passengers to book rides in driverless taxis within designated pilot areas in the city.

In July 2025, Shanghai issues its first demonstration operating permits for intelligent connected vehicles to eight companies.

In August 2025, those eight companies begin joint operations in selected areas of Shanghai, including busy commercial, retail and residential zones.