01:40 13-12-2025

US moves to phase out Chinese LiDAR from autonomous vehicles and critical infrastructure

A new U.S. bill would phase out Chinese LiDAR from autonomous vehicles and critical infrastructure in three years, raising costs and reshaping suppliers.

A bill has been introduced in the United States that would gradually phase out LiDAR sensors of Chinese origin from autonomous vehicles and critical infrastructure. Sponsored by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, the proposal calls for a three-year halt on new purchases and the replacement of already installed systems, with limited exceptions for scientific research.

The rationale goes beyond fears of data leaks to include the risk of remote interference with the sensors themselves. Since LiDAR underpins autonomous driving by building a three-dimensional picture of the environment, a failure or shutdown can bring robotaxis to a stop or pause automated systems in ports and logistics.

The challenge is that Chinese manufacturers hold a significant share of the LiDAR market. Swapping out these sensors requires reworking platforms, re-calibrating, and re-certifying systems—steps that extend timelines and drive up costs. Inside the industry, the expectation is that such limits would slow the rollout of autonomous features and initially hit higher-end models. At the same time, the initiative could reshuffle the supplier landscape and shape its trajectory over the next few years.