The US Department of Commerce is expected to soon come up with a ban on the use of software developed in a "foreign state that raises concerns" in autonomous and internet-connected vehicles. These reportedly include China. The legislation targets vehicles with SAE-level 3 autonomy and above.
This is according to Reuters, citing sources. Such a ban would be a major setback for Chinese car manufacturers. Not only would it prevent them from bringing vehicles equipped with Chinese software for autonomous driving onto the US market, but they would also no longer be allowed to test such software on US roads.
SAE level 3 or higher
The measures specifically target vehicles with SAE level 3 autonomy and above. This level defines autonomy where the vehicle can drive autonomously in specific situations. Drivers are allowed to take their hands off the wheel and do something else. However, they must always be able to quickly regain control of the wheel.
The alleged legislation also applies to SAE-level 4 and 5 vehicles. SAE-level 4 are vehicles that can almost always drive autonomously. If the vehicle is within its Operational Design Domain (ODD), users are allowed to do something else. The ODD is the domain within which a (partially) self-driving vehicle operates. This includes specific weather and road conditions.
SAE-level 5 is the highest level of autonomy on the SAE scale. A car with SAE-level 5 is self-driving at all times and in every situation.
Still effective this month
Reuters sources report that the US government wants the ban to take effect this month. This would mean that car manufacturers will soon have to prove that the software used in their vehicles with SAE-level 3 autonomy or higher does not use Chinese-made software.
In addition, sources report that vehicles with advanced Chinese-made wireless communication modules will also be banned from US roads.
Only China mentioned by name
China is the only country mentioned by name by Reuters' sources. However, the legislation is aimed at countries about which the US says it is 'concerned'. The Commerce Department reported in a note to Reuters that it specifically addresses "national security risks related to the use of connected technologies in connected vehicles".
The Bureau of Industry and Security, part of the US Department of Commerce, is working on a proposal for the ban. This ban will reportedly be submitted to the automotive industry, which will have the opportunity to respond.
The Chinese embassy in US Washington is critical. Among other things, it argues that only fair competition can lead to technological progress. It calls on the US to abide by market principles and international trade rules, and create a level playing field for all countries. The embassy also announces that China will "strongly defend its rights and interests".
Part of broader package of measures
The Americans have been taking measures against Chinese carmakers for some time. In May, for instance, the US government already introduced a 100% import duty on Chinese-made (US) electric vehicles. This is a hefty increase from the 25% import duty that previously applied. It accuses China of unfair trade practices regarding intellectual property, among other things. With the 100% import duty - which has also been introduced on Chinese chips, certain steel and aluminium products, batteries and battery components, among others - the US says it wants to motivate China to abandon these trade practices.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Image: Florian Kurz via Pixabay
