Pony.ai CEO Challenges L3 Autonomy Classification, Calls for Redefinition Based on Liability

On April 24, during the Beijing Auto Show, the industry engaged in heated discussions about the practical implementation path for autonomous driving technology. Pony.ai CEO Peng Jun stated that the current autonomous driving classification system has become "utterly nonsensical" and proposed redefining the levels based on liability for accidents. He emphasized that in assisted-driving mode, drivers should bear responsibility for safety incidents, whereas in autonomous-driving mode, the vehicle itself should assume liability. Currently, SAE International classifies autonomous driving into six levels, from L0 to L5, with L3 and above defined as autonomous driving. Both L3 and L4 systems can perform all driving tasks under specific conditions. Peng Jun questioned the rationale behind the existence of L3, sparking a renewed industry debate over the feasibility and necessity of L3 autonomy. Numerous executives and technical experts have since engaged in intense discussions on the matter.