Chinese heavy‑truck maker SANY, together with Pony AI, will launch fourth‑generation autonomous trucks in a 1+4 convoy, cutting costs and boosting profits. Read the full story now!
Chinese heavy‑truck manufacturer SANY, in partnership with AI specialist Pony AI, announced it will begin mass production of its fourth‑generation autonomous trucks, with the first batch expected on the road in 2026.
Key innovations
The new models incorporate a detachable 400 kWh battery, regenerative‑brake charging, and a full suite of radar and camera sensors. All core functions—steering, braking, communications, power supply, computing and perception—are handled by SANY’s drive‑by‑wire chassis, delivering industry‑leading reliability for unmanned operation.
The 1+4 convoy concept
To meet current regulations while showcasing the technology, SANY proposes a “1+4” convoy system. One driver‑controlled lead truck navigates the route, while four follower trucks operate autonomously. This setup is tailored for smart‑port logistics and dry‑cargo transport, reducing regulatory hurdles and smoothing exception handling in traffic.
Performance and safety testing
In a recent press release, SANY confirmed that its fourth‑generation trucks passed stringent extreme‑temperature and electromagnetic‑compatibility (EMC) tests, meeting the safety standards required for autonomous freight movement.
Economic impact
Pilot trials of the 1+4 convoy showed a 29% reduction in cost per kilometre and a 195% increase in operating profit. By moving directly from limited‑scale demos to large‑scale commercial deployment, SANY aims to deliver immediate cost savings to logistics operators.
Quotes from leadership
“Mass‑producing fourth‑generation self‑driving trucks marks a pivotal milestone in SANY’s digital‑transformation and carbon‑reduction strategy,” said Zhou Wanchun, Vice President of SANY Group and General Manager of Heavy‑Truck Marketing.
“Our fully redundant electronic chassis provides a rock‑solid hardware foundation for autonomous driving. Together with Pony AI, we are accelerating the rollout of smart logistics solutions that will drive unprecedented operational efficiency.”
Collaboration and rollout
SANY and Pony AI have been developing the technology since 2022, becoming the first companies to demonstrate a 5G‑enabled, fully automated and electrified heavy‑truck platform from prototype to serial production. Their joint effort with China’s largest integrated logistics provider, Sinotrans, established a “Vehicle + Technology + Scenario” model to align production capacity, technology maturity, and real‑world usage.
The inaugural batch of fourth‑generation autonomous trucks is scheduled to leave the factory later this year, paving the way for broader commercial adoption across global supply chains.