Deepal, the new-energy vehicle arm of state-owned Chongqing Changan Automobile Co, has rolled out 46 cars equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving systems for pilot use in Chongqing, reported Caixin.

The vehicles have begun operating but are not available for sale to individual consumers. Deepal chairman Deng Chenghao said Level 3 technology, which requires drivers to remain ready to take control, is still in an exploratory stage.

As a result, the fleet must be driven by certified professionals rather than the general public. The pilot is seen as a key test for regulators and manufacturers to assess safety and liability frameworks before wider commercial deployment of conditional automation.