Volvo to Supply Cars to Didi for Autonomous Driving Fleets

Didi Partners with Volvo to Accelerate Autonomous Driving Development

The competition within China’s autonomous driving sector is intensifying, prompting Didi to strategically expand its vehicle fleet. The company has chosen Volvo, a former partner of Uber, as a key collaborator in this endeavor.

Volvo XC90 SUVs to Power Didi’s Robotaxi Network

Didi announced on Monday a long-term plan to integrate Volvo’s XC90 SUVs into its global network of robotaxis. Volvo has been under the ownership of the Chinese automotive firm Geely since 2010.

Last year, Didi established a dedicated subsidiary focused on autonomous driving technology. This unit has successfully secured approximately $800 million in funding from investors, including SoftBank Vision Fund and IDG Capital, and currently employs over 500 individuals.

Didi’s Evolution and Expansion

Founded in 2012 as a ride-sharing application, Didi acquired Uber China in 2016. Today, the company provides a comprehensive suite of mobility solutions. These include taxi hailing, ride-hailing services, carpooling options, shared bikes and scooters, alongside financial services tailored for drivers.

Recent reports from Reuters indicate that Didi is aiming for a valuation exceeding $100 billion in an upcoming initial public offering.

Gemini: Didi’s New Self-Driving Hardware System

For the past two years, Didi’s autonomous driving division has been conducting robotaxi trials in both China and the United States. The Volvo XC90 will be the first vehicle to incorporate Didi’s newly developed self-driving hardware system, known as Gemini.

Gemini features a comprehensive sensor suite, including short-, mid-, and long-range lidars, radars, cameras, and a thermal imager. It also includes a fail-safe system and remote assistance capabilities facilitated by 5G networks.

Vehicle Procurement and Existing Fleet

Volvo has committed to supplying Didi with “hundreds of autonomous drive-ready vehicles” equipped with backup systems, as confirmed by a source with knowledge of the agreement. This addition will supplement Didi’s current fleet of over 100 autonomous vehicles operating in China and the U.S.

The existing fleet includes models from manufacturers such as Lincoln, BYD, and Nissan, in addition to Volvo.

Enhanced Safety Features

Didi asserts that the combination of its Gemini platform and Volvo’s redundant safety features – encompassing steering, braking, and electrical power – will ultimately enable the removal of safety drivers from its robotaxis.

In the event of a primary system failure during operation, Volvo’s backup systems are designed to safely bring the vehicle to a halt.

Competition in the Chinese Robotaxi Market

Didi faces competition from several well-funded robotaxi startups in China, including Pony.ai and WeRide. These companies are actively testing their technologies in major Chinese cities and California, while investing heavily in research and development to achieve Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities.

AutoX, another Chinese robotaxi firm, recently announced its intention to utilize Honda’s Accord and Inspire sedans for its testing programs within China.

One advantage Didi possesses is the vast amount of driving data accumulated through its extensive ride-hailing business, which spans across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Russia.

Expanding Automotive Involvement

Emerging electric vehicle manufacturers, such as Nio and Xpeng, are also entering the autonomous vehicle race, with ambitious claims regarding the imminent removal of safety drivers. Established automotive companies are similarly striving to remain competitive.

BAIC, a state-owned enterprise, is integrating Huawei’s advanced automation system and smart cockpit technology into its new electric passenger vehicles.

Headline updated for improved clarity and additional partnership details provided.