Discover how SANY’s 4th‑generation autonomous trucks, built with Pony AI, can cut freight costs by 29% and boost profits. Learn more now!
Chinese heavy‑truck giant SANY has announced that its fourth‑generation, semi‑autonomous trucks will enter mass production in 2026. Partnering with AI specialist Pony AI, the company unveils a unique “1+4” convoy system that could reshape freight logistics worldwide.
Why the 4th‑Generation Matters
Unlike earlier driver‑assist prototypes, the new SANY models are designed to operate with little or no human input. They have passed rigorous temperature and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests, meeting the toughest safety standards for autonomous freight transport.
Powertrain and Sensors
Each truck is equipped with a detachable 400 kWh battery pack that can be recharged via regenerative braking. A suite of radars and high‑resolution cameras feeds a drive‑by‑wire system that controls steering, braking, communications, power, computing and sensing across six core domains.
The 1+4 Convoy Concept
To smooth the transition to full autonomy, SANY proposes a “1+4” formation: a lead truck driven by a human operator, followed by four driverless units. This configuration is ideal for smart ports and dry‑goods transport, where regulatory concerns can be mitigated while still delivering the efficiency gains of automation.
Cost and Profit Benefits
Pilot trials show that the 1+4 convoy can lower freight cost per kilometre by up to 29% and increase operational profit margins by 195%. These figures suggest that businesses could see a return on investment within months of adopting the technology.
Industry Collaboration
Since 2022, SANY and Pony AI have co‑developed the world’s first 5G‑enabled, fully electrified autonomous heavy‑truck platform, taking it from prototype to production readiness. Their joint effort with logistics giant Sinotrans has created a “Vehicle + Technology + Scenario” model that aligns hardware maturity with real‑world operating conditions.
Executive Insight
“The launch of fourth‑generation autonomous trucks marks a pivotal step in SANY’s digital and carbon‑reduction strategy,” said Zhou Wanchun, Vice President of SANY Group and Head of Heavy‑Truck Marketing. “Our industry‑leading backup electronic chassis provides a reliable hardware foundation for autonomous driving. Together with Pony AI, we are accelerating the rollout of smart logistics solutions that deliver unprecedented operational efficiency.”
Looking Ahead
The first batch of these semi‑autonomous trucks is slated to roll off the production line later this year, paving the way for large‑scale commercial deployments that could redefine supply‑chain dynamics across continents.
For fleet operators, shippers, and logistics innovators, SANY’s 1+4 convoy offers a practical bridge to a future where autonomous trucks are the norm rather than the exception.