JD's driverless delivery vans undergo road trials

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China's second largest e-commerce company JD.com revealed its driverless delivery vans jointly developed with Chinese auto makers on Thursday, the first of its kind in the domestic fields of e-commerce and logistics.

The e-commerce giant has developed two models of automatic light electric vans respectively with SAIC Maxus and Dongfeng Motor Corp., to facilitate its logistics service. The vans are now undergoing trials on designated roads by the country’s transportation department.

The EV80 autonomous light van is being jointly launched by JD and SAIC Maxus. It is equipped with cameras, radar, sensors, HD maps and a GPS system, which enable the van to sense obstacles 150 meters away, giving it plenty of time to replan the route and avoid the obstacle.

With the front cameras, the vehicle is able to sense the change of the signal lights, therefore running smoothly and safely.

JD driverless van /JD Photo

As of now, the van has made successful tests of automatic route planning, obstacle detection and avoidance, overtaking, and self-parking, said JD.

While the van is able to conduct automatic driving, road trials are conducted with human drivers in case of emergencies to ensure secure tests, said the company.

Meanwhile, JD has also initiated a series of technical collaborations with Dongfeng and jointly rolled out a driverless light truck.

With cooperation with partners, “we will continue to enhance our smart logistics and push the bounds of our traditional logistics solutions," said Wang Zhenhui, CEO of JD Logistics.

JD started to develop its driverless delivery vehicles last year with an intention to facilitate bulk deliveries to both office buildings and residential areas. It is developing the drone delivery in parallel.