Huawei’s groundbreaking Starlink communication technology, integrated into the Luxeed S9 electric vehicle, has demonstrated remarkable performance during a challenging test drive along China’s notoriously difficult Duku Highway. Yu Chengdong, Huawei’s Managing Director and Chairman of Terminal BG, announced that the Starlink communication system maintained excellent signal strength across over 98.7% of the surveyed road sections.
Starlink Communication: A Key Feature of Hongmeng Zhixing
Yu Chengdong highlighted that Starlink communication is one of the six core exclusive technologies within Huawei’s Hongmeng Zhixing ecosystem. Leveraging decades of Huawei’s expertise in communication technology, this system aims to ensure stable connectivity for drivers, even in remote or challenging terrains. He encouraged drivers planning National Day road trips to utilize the car’s hotspot feature to share network access with fellow travelers if they encounter weak signal areas.
Luxeed S9: The Testbed for Advanced Connectivity
The test involved the Starlink communication team driving the Luxeed S9 along the Duku Highway, a route renowned for its scenic beauty and technical driving challenges. The results affirm the robustness of the in-car Starlink system. The Luxeed S9, an initiative under the Luxeed brand jointly developed by Chery and Huawei, is designed to integrate Huawei’s advanced automotive technologies.
Duku Highway: A Severe Test for Connectivity
The Duku Highway (G217) stretches from the northern oil city of Dushanzi in Karamay to Kuqa in the southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains. This route, often partially closed during winter months, presents significant connectivity challenges due to its mountainous terrain and remote sections. The successful test indicates that Starlink communication can significantly enhance the driving experience by providing reliable internet access.
Starlink Technology: Features and Benefits
First introduced on the Luxeed S800 (Vellamo S800) in February last year, Huawei’s Starlink communication technology offers several advanced features:
- Active Intelligent Network Selection: Automatically chooses the best available network for optimal performance.
- Dual Network Standby: Ensures continuous connectivity by maintaining two active network connections.
- Triple Network Connectivity: Supports connections across three different network types for enhanced reliability.
- Weak Network Acceleration: Improves data transmission speeds even in low-signal areas.
- Network Sharing: Allows connected devices like smartphones and tablets to access the car’s internet connection via a hotspot.
- Satellite Communication: In scenarios where terrestrial networks are unavailable, the system supports calls and emergency communications via satellite, providing a crucial safety net.
The ability to share the car’s network is particularly beneficial for families or groups traveling together, ensuring everyone stays connected. Furthermore, the satellite communication capability offers peace of mind for journeys into the most remote areas, where traditional mobile coverage is non-existent.
Future of Automotive Connectivity
Huawei’s commitment to integrating advanced communication technologies into vehicles signifies a push towards a more connected and safer automotive future. The success of Starlink communication on the Duku Highway is a testament to Huawei’s technological prowess and its vision for smart mobility under the Hongmeng Zhixing strategy. As more vehicles adopt these sophisticated communication systems, drivers can expect enhanced safety, convenience, and an uninterrupted digital experience, regardless of their location.
The Duku Highway is scheduled to remain open during the upcoming National Day holiday, with winter closures beginning on October 8, 2026. This allows ample opportunity for drivers to experience the route and potentially test these advanced connectivity features firsthand.
