AsianFin — Chinese mobility platform Hello has officially entered the Robotaxi market, announcing the launch of a new autonomous driving venture with strategic backing from Ant Group and battery giant CATL.

The newly established entity, Shanghai Zaofu Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., has been registered in Shanghai with a total capital of 1.288 billion yuan. The company will focus on R&D, safety applications, and the commercialization of L4-level autonomous driving technology.

Initial funding exceeds RMB 3 billion (approx. $412 million), with contributions from Hello, Ant Group (via Shanghai Yunyang Enterprise Management Consulting Co.), and CATL (via Ningbo Meishan Free Trade Port Zone Wending Investment Co.). All three parties are listed as shareholders in the joint venture.

This marks Hello’s most significant move yet into high-level autonomous mobility, as the competition in China’s Robotaxi sector heats up.