DiDi Robotaxi R2 Begins Driverless Service Trials

DiDi Autonomous Driving has started fully driverless service trials with the Robotaxi R2, a purpose-built Level 4 vehicle with 33 sensors, now bookable in Beijing and Guangzhou demonstration areas.

DiDi Autonomous Driving has begun fully driverless service trials with its next-generation Robotaxi R2, a vehicle carrying 33 sensors and a triple-domain fusion central computing platform. Developed jointly with GAC Aion, the R2 is now available for bookings through the DiDi App in selected demonstration areas in Beijing and Guangzhou. DiDi Autonomous Driving, which has built its own full-stack Level 4 software and hardware, says the vehicle brings upgrades to both driving performance and cabin experience.

Highlights

  • Driverless service trials are live in selected demonstration areas in Beijing and Guangzhou, bookable through the DiDi App
  • The R2 runs 33 sensors paired with a triple-domain fusion central computing platform
  • DiDi reports five-star safety standards under both C-NCAP and Euro NCAP, plus a multi-layer redundancy system
  • Cabin features a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted screen and AI voice control covering PIN verification, climate, windows and ambient lighting
DiDi Robotaxi R2 Begins Driverless Service Trials

A Purpose-Built Level 4 Platform

The R2 is purpose-built for robotaxi service and designed for global deployment, running on DiDi Autonomous Driving’s full-stack Level 4 software and hardware. According to the company, the 33 sensors and triple-domain fusion computing platform sharpen perception accuracy and improve the vehicle’s ability to handle complex driving scenarios.

DiDi also reports that the vehicle meets five-star safety standards under both C-NCAP and Euro NCAP, and that it incorporates a multi-layer redundancy system.

What Changes Inside the Cabin?

The R2 maximizes rear passenger space and fits high-angle adjustable seats. A 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted screen carries entertainment functions, and an AI voice interaction system lets riders complete PIN verification and start the trip by voice, along with adjusting the air conditioning, opening the windows and controlling ambient lighting.

Some behaviors run without rider input. Before the vehicle reaches the pickup point, it opens its windows to ventilate the cabin.

DiDi says further features will arrive in stages, including:

  • An exterior interaction screen for communication outside the vehicle
  • Preset cabin temperature and ambient lighting color, configured ahead of the ride
  • Vehicle-locating functions using the horn and voice prompts

Testing Record Behind the Trials

Following delivery in January 2026, the R2 entered public-road testing in Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen and other cities. The company describes those operations as safe and stable, and says it has maintained safe operations for more than 2,200 consecutive days, supported by Huiju Port, its full-process robotaxi operations center.

DiDi Autonomous Driving says it will continue developing its robotaxi technology and shaping the service around rider needs as the R2 moves through driverless trials.

Self Drive News
Self Drive News Staff

Self Drive News is the trade publication of record for vehicle autonomy. Published by Hagman Media and edited by founder Brian Hagman, it covers autonomous vehicles, robotaxis, ADAS, self-driving software and hardware, and L4 commercial deployments for an audience of AV engineers, software safety professionals, and mobility investors.