(Yicai Global) Dec. 28 -- China's first driverless express delivery vehicle, that meets the specifications of a motor vehicle, has started closed beta testing by a select group of people near the headquarters of Chinese courier giant ZTO Express in Shanghai, The Paper reported yesterday.

The Pioneer, developed by Matrix Data Technology, is faster than most unmanned delivery vehicles and can reach speeds of over 70 kilometers per hour. It is the country’s only self-driving van that is fast enough to drive on motorways and to also qualify for a license plate, said Matrix President Gu Zulin. Most unmanned autos are too slow to be classified as motor vehicles and therefore do not have license plates.

With a maximum range of 240 km, the delivery van will first be used in closed communities, such as university campuses and industrial parks, and eventually will reach the open roads, said Jin Renqun, director of ZTO’s Development and Research Center.

Many Chinese express delivery firms and e-commerce companies, such as YTO Express Group, Cainiao Network Technology, Suning.com and JD.com, have started using autonomous vehicles for last mile deliveries.

Editor: Kim Taylor