AI Mobility
Self-driving, robotaxis, flying cars, robots and in-car AI: where China is now, and how ready the UK is.
China Tech Watch
China Tech Watch, November 2026: chips, 1,200 volts and the return of the button
Our monthly look at the technology already in Chinese cars, and how likely it is to reach UK showrooms. This month: in-house AI chips, ultra-high-voltage hypercars, battery swapping, and new rules that bring back physical buttons.
8 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
Flying cars and drones
EHang drops 2026 forecast as China slows passenger eVTOL approvals
The maker of the pilotless EH216-S has withdrawn its 2026 revenue guidance after Chinese regulators turned cautious, and is now leaning on sandbox projects in Thailand, Sri Lanka and elsewhere.
7 Nov 2026 · 3 min read
China Tech Watch
Hands-off and eyes-off driving: China vs UK rules
China has approved its first eyes-off cars on set roads and is writing tough national rules for driver assistance. The UK allows hands-off motorway systems now, with true self-driving law due in the second half of 2027.
7 Nov 2026 · 4 min read
Self-driving, robotaxis and the rules
Pony.ai and Uber plan more than 2,000 robotaxis across Europe
Chinese self-driving company Pony.ai and Uber say they will grow their European robotaxi fleet beyond 2,000 vehicles, starting from Zagreb. No cities, dates or UK plans have been named.
7 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
Flying cars and drones
UK aviation regulator sets out how drone and air taxi noise should be managed
The Civil Aviation Authority has published a report on assessing and limiting noise from drones and eVTOL air taxis. It finds today's rules were built for conventional aircraft and calls for a first, flexible national drone noise policy.
7 Nov 2026 · 3 min read
Self-driving, robotaxis and the rules
Wayve and Uber start the UK's first public autonomous rides in London
Uber riders in London can now be matched with a car driven by Wayve's AI, with a licensed driver on board to supervise. It is the first public autonomous ride service in the UK, but not yet a driverless one.
7 Nov 2026 · 3 min read
Robots and factories
Xpeng opens IRON humanoid robot line, aiming for mass production by end of 2026
The Chinese carmaker has commissioned an automated production line for its IRON humanoid robot, built to car-industry quality standards, and plans launch and deliveries in China and overseas in 2027.
7 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
Driver assistance in your car
Xpeng shows NGP city driver assistance in Paris ahead of early-2027 European launch
Xpeng gave public test rides in its NGP assisted-driving system on Paris streets and says it will start offering it in Europe at the beginning of 2027, where the law allows. There is no UK date.
7 Nov 2026 · 3 min read