Shanghai (ZXZC)- On July 9, Shanghai-based LiDAR manufacturer Hesai Technology (Hesai) and Chinese EV startup Li Auto forged a partnership for a series of projects based on Hesai's latest-generation automotive-grade hybrid solid-state LiDAR solution, according to a post on Hesai's WeChat account.

Hesai, Li Auto signing agreement; photo credit: Hesai

Under the agreement, both parties will jointly work on developing passenger vehicle-used LiDAR system integration solution, building a system to test and evaluate LiDAR's automotive-grade reliability and functional safety in complex weather and road conditions, and forming a highly automated manufacturing and testing system based on automotive-grade standards.

In the meantime, the duo had a discussion about the latest progress of LiDAR's application in advanced driver assistance system, the evolution trend for the next-generation smart vehicle's self-driving capabilities, and the method of developing safer and more efficient autonomous driving solutions, according to Hesai.

The newly-formed cooperation will provide powerful support for building and improving sensing capability for smart electric vehicles (EVs), said the LiDAR maker. The two companies will make joint effort to popularize intelligent EVs and promote the scale application of factory-installed LiDAR in passenger vehicles.

With a team of over 500 staff members, Hesai has accumulated some expertise in in-house-developed photoelectric chips, automotive-grade design process, automated production, functional safety performance, active anti-interference technology, and deep-learning-based perception capability.

In early June, Hesai announced the completion of its Series D funding with over $300 million raised. The financing round was led by GL Ventures, Xiaomi, Meituan, and CITICPE.