Pony.ai unveils new robotruck model, eyes European sales

Key facts

• Pony.ai unveiled a new Level 4 autonomous heavy goods vehicle in Hanover, Germany.
• The robotruck was jointly developed with Chinese automaker GAC.
• Volume production of the truck is set to begin later this year.
• Pony.ai is in talks with European governments and customers about road tests.
• The company plans to launch its robotruck unit in Europe and the Middle East within two years.
• Pony.ai is also testing robotaxis in European cities, including Zagreb.

Chinese self-driving technology firm Pony.ai unveiled its latest Level 4 autonomous heavy goods vehicle on Monday at the IAA Transportation trade fair in Hanover, Germany. The company is in discussions with European governments and potential customers regarding road tests on the continent, aiming to capitalize on expensive labor costs and severe labor shortages in the region.

The new fully-electric truck was developed in partnership with Chinese state-owned automaker GAC, and Pony.ai plans to begin volume production later this year. Level 4 autonomy allows vehicles to drive themselves without human intervention under specific conditions and zones. While Pony.ai operates hundreds of Level 4 trucks in China, including some fully driverless operations, regulatory frameworks for self-driving vehicle tests are limited in Europe.

Pony.ai's robotruck unit is slated for launch in European and Middle Eastern markets within the next two years. This move comes as several other Chinese truck manufacturers, including EV giant BYD, Geely unit Farizon, Sany, Sinotruk, and startups Windrose and SuperPanther, are also preparing to sell fully-electric models in Europe.

In addition to its robotruck ambitions, Pony.ai is also pursuing robotaxi deployment outside of China, with ongoing tests in European cities such as Zagreb, Croatia.