WeRide Launches 24/7 Robotaxi Testing in Beijing, Advances Towards Full-Day Service

Rhea-AI Summary

WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a leading autonomous driving technology company, has secured approval for late-night Robotaxi testing in Beijing's High-Level Autonomous Driving Demonstration Zone from 10pm to 7am. The company's Robotaxi is equipped with over 20 sensors, including high-precision cameras and LiDARs, providing 360-degree coverage with a 200-meter detection range.

WeRide has established operations in 10 cities across four countries, accumulating over 2,200 days of safe open-road experience. The company launched China's first 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing network in Guangzhou in May 2025, and this Beijing expansion represents a significant step toward full-day autonomous mobility services.

Positive

• Received approval for late-night testing in Beijing, expanding operational capabilities
• Advanced sensor system with 20+ sensors and 200-meter detection range
• Extensive operational experience across 10 cities in 4 countries
• Successfully launched China's first 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing network in Guangzhou

Negative

• Faces significant challenges in night-time operations including low lighting and weather conditions
• Complex environmental interference could impact service reliability

BEIJING, Aug. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has received approval to conduct late-night testing of its Robotaxi on public roads within the Beijing High-Level Autonomous Driving Demonstration Zone from 10pm to 7am. This milestone marks a crucial step for WeRide in building a 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing network in Beijing, laying the groundwork for all-weather, all-day autonomous mobility services.

Beijing's complex night-time road conditions, characterized by low lighting, environmental interference, and heavy rain in the summer and snow in the winter, pose significant challenges for autonomous driving systems. These conditions place heightened demand on the perception, decision-making, and control capabilities, especially in maintaining effective sensor fusion between LiDAR and cameras under low-light conditions, accurately identifying pedestrians at night, and executing timely responses.

To address potential visibility issues at night, WeRide's Robotaxi is equipped with more than 20 sensors, including high-precision, high-dynamic cameras and high-line LiDARs across the vehicle. Combined with its proprietary multi-sensor fusion algorithm and HPC high-performance computing platform, the system achieves 360-degree blind-spot-free coverage of up to 200 meters detection range. This ensures stable perception and rapid decision-making even under poor lighting or adverse weather, enabling safe, continuous night-time operations.

Extreme weather conditions such as rain, dust, and heavy snow pose challenges to autonomous driving stability as well. WeRide utilizes automotive-grade sensors, stringent assembly processes, and a self-developed smart sensor cleaning system that detects dirt and moisture and triggers automatic cleaning — ensuring accurate, reliable perception in all environmental conditions.

As a global leader in Robotaxi area, WeRide has conducted Robotaxi testing or operations in 10 cities across four countries, accumulating over 2,200 days of open-road safe experience. In May 2025, WeRide launched China’s first 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing network in a Tier-1 city, Guangzhou, gaining extensive full-day, all-scenario operational experience.

WeRide's Robotaxi GXR undergoing night testing in Beijing

The launch of 24/7 Robotaxi autonomous driving testing in Beijing marks a key milestone in validating WeRide’s technology and safety systems. It also helps address gaps in public transportation during off-peak hours, such as late nights and early mornings, by improving vehicle availability in less frequented times and remote areas.

Looking ahead, WeRide will continue to leverage its proprietary full-stack autonomous driving technology and safety systems to grow its ride-hailing services, supporting the development of smarter, more sustainable city transportation.

About WeRide
WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry, as well as the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. Our autonomous vehicles have been tested or operated in over 30 cities across 10 countries. We are also the first and only technology company whose products have received autonomous driving permits in six markets: China, France, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the UAE, and the US. Empowered by the smart, versatile, cost-effective, and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4, addressing transportation needs in the mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries. WeRide was named in Fortune Magazine’s 2024 “The Future 50” list.

Media Contact
pr@weride.ai

Safe Harbor Statement
This Report (including its exhibit) contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about WeRide’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in WeRide’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this Report is as of the date of this Report. WeRide does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

A photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0cd10556-5b4a-4f03-b2f2-6739d7aa1685

FAQ

What approval did WeRide (WRD) receive for Robotaxi testing in Beijing?

WeRide received approval to conduct Robotaxi testing from 10pm to 7am within Beijing's High-Level Autonomous Driving Demonstration Zone.

How many sensors does WeRide's Robotaxi system use?

WeRide's Robotaxi is equipped with more than 20 sensors, including high-precision cameras and LiDARs, providing 360-degree coverage with a 200-meter detection range.

In how many cities does WeRide operate its Robotaxi service?

WeRide operates in 10 cities across four countries, with over 2,200 days of open-road safe experience.

When did WeRide launch China's first 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing network?

WeRide launched China's first 24/7 autonomous ride-hailing network in Guangzhou in May 2025.

What challenges does WeRide face in night-time operations?

WeRide faces challenges including low lighting conditions, environmental interference, heavy rain in summer, and snow in winter, which affect sensor fusion and pedestrian detection.