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By Moses Akaigwe
Deepal, the new-energy vehicle unit of state-owned Chongqing Changan Automobile Co. Ltd., has deployed a fleet of 46 cars with Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities.
The deployment of the 46 cars with Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities for pilot operations in Chongqing, southwest China, marks a tangible step in China’s cautious rollout of conditional self-driving technology.
Although the vehicles formally hit the road on Friday, they remain unavailable for purchase by individual consumers.
Deepal chairman Deng Chenghao stated that the application of Level 3 technology — defined as conditional automation where a human driver must be ready to intervene — is still in an exploratory phase.
Consequently, the current fleet must be operated by professionally certified drivers rather than the general public.
Deepal is a premium electric vehicle (EV) brand from Chinese automaker, Changan Automobile, known for models like the S07 coupe SUV, which blends Italian design with advanced tech for a smart, luxurious and sustainable driving experience, aiming to compete with major EV players globally.
The name “Deepal” combines “deep” and “pal,” symbolizing human-tech-nature connection, with a mission to accelerate EV adoption.
At the right time, the Deepal EVs are expected to be launched into the Nigerian market by Mikano Motors, which has successfully driven the Changan-badged vehicles to the top of the various segments of the Nigerian market.
The Changan line-up in Nigeria includes the award-winning CS55, CS75, CS95 and CS35 SUVs, as well as the popular Alsvin sedan. Attracting customers in the pick-up segment is the Hunter pick-up and the much improved newer Plus model.
There is also the popular UNI-K.
