This paper presents a pioneering and novel analysis of the synergistic relationship between China’s leadership in electric vehicle (EV) adoption and the rapid advancement of autonomous driving (AD) technologies within the nation’s mobility ecosystem. Challenging the conventional view of electrification as a parallel trend, this study introduces a new perspective by demonstrating how EV infrastructure serves as a fundamental enabler of autonomy, providing the necessary high-voltage architectures for critical AD functions like real-time sensor fusion and over-the-air updates. In doing so, it addresses the central research question: How does large-scale electrification influence the architecture, deployment, and safety development of autonomous driving vehicles, particularly in the context of China’s intelligent mobility ecosystem? Through technical analysis and industry examples, the paper offers original contributions by illustrating how EV-driven platforms overcome the inherent limitations of internal combustion engine systems, enhancing autonomous execution and system reliability. Furthermore, this research provides novel insights into China’s unique public–private innovation ecosystem, highlighting the role of vertically integrated startups and cross-sector coordination in driving AD development. By analyzing these previously overlooked systemic interactions, the paper posits that China’s EV dominance strategically amplifies its autonomous vehicle ambitions, positioning the nation to lead the next generation of intelligent transportation systems.

This study presents a comprehensive technical and architectural analysis of how electrification fundamentally enhances and accelerates autonomous driving (AD) in the context of China’s intelligent mobility transformation. As the world’s largest EV market, China offers a unique ecosystem where battery electric vehicle (BEV) or hybrid platforms and AD systems co-evolve through deep system integration. The study highlights how EV architectures—characterized by high-voltage powertrains, simplified drivetrains, and always-on energy profiles—serve as natural enablers of sensor fusion, AI inference, over-the-air (OTA) software evolution, and real-time vehicle control. Drawing on evidence from industry case studies, startup dynamics, chip-level innovation, and regulatory frameworks, the paper examines how electrification reduces technical barriers in autonomous execution, ensures functional safety for ASIL-D systems, and supports resilient, scalable AD deployment. It also explores China’s distinctive public-private innovation model and its cross-sector integration with urban infrastructure, smart energy systems, and industrial automation. While substantial challenges remain—including long-tail scenarios, legal ambiguity, and uneven market readiness—this paper argues that the electrification-autonomy synergy represents not a coincidence, but a systemic convergence shaping the global trajectory of intelligent transportation.