SANY, Pony.ai deploying 4th-generation autonomous truck in 2026
4th-gen truck expected to reduce annual emissions by 60 tons per vehicel
SANY Group is nearing mass production of its fourth-generation autonomous heavy-duty truck, developed with Pony.ai, with the first commercial units expected to enter operation next year.
The new units advance China’s position in autonomous freight and support the shift toward digital, intelligent and low-carbon operations, according to a Dec. 8 SANY release. The new model includes a battery pack of more than 400 kWh and is expected to cut annual carbon emissions by about 60 tons per vehicle.
SANY and Pony.ai’s “1+4” autonomous platooning setup, which features one manned lead truck followed by four unmanned trucks, can reduce per-kilometer freight costs by 29% and boost operating profit by 195%, based on pilot estimates, according to the release. The approach aims to help ports and logistics operators scale autonomous freight more efficiently.
The partnership, which began in 2022, pairs SANY’s strength in chassis and vehicle development with Pony.ai’s autonomous-driving technology, according to the release. SANY believes the move to mass production marks a transition from limited pilot programs to large-scale unmanned commercial deployment and will speed up the logistics industry’s push toward intelligent, lower-carbon operations.
Check out our exclusive industry data here.
