Industry experts and media outlets widely predicted that “2024 would be a pivotal year for autonomous driving commercialization,” with numerous companies setting ambitious goals for technological breakthroughs and business expansion. Now, as 2024 has passed and 2025 begins, how much progress have these companies made? Were their targets met? And what new aspirations emerge for the year ahead?
Yikong Zhijia
In March 2024, Yikong Zhijia announced a RMB 300 million Series C++ funding round, revealing that over 300 autonomous mining trucks were already operational. Zhang Lei, Co-founder and Chairman, projected that the number would reach 1,000 by year-end. By January 2025, the company confirmed surpassing this target: over 1,000 vehicles were deployed across 20+ mines, logging 30 million kilometers. Industry analysts now regard 2024 as the inaugural year for autonomous mining commercialization.
Jiusi Intelligence
A leader in unmanned delivery, Jiusi Intelligence achieved rapid growth in 2024. In June, it launched four L4 autonomous vehicle models (Z2, Z5, Z8, Z10) tailored to diverse logistics needs. The company secured road permits in Qingdao, Hanzhong, Tongxiang, Nanhu, Qufu, and Hefei, including 500 permits in Qufu alone, enabling scaled operations in North China. By November 2024, Jiusi deployed nearly 1,000 vehicles in Shandong and partnered with 100+ brands across courier, fresh produce, and pharmaceutical logistics. Its vehicles now operate in 130+ Chinese cities, completing over 100 million deliveries and reducing clients’ operational costs by 62% on average. Overseas expansions in Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and the Middle East are also underway.
Neolix Autonomous Vehicles
Founded in 2018, Neolix pioneered unmanned delivery in 2020 and obtained Beijing’s first high-level autonomous driving license in 2021. By 2025, the company announced delivery of 3,000 vehicles, accumulating 24 million autonomous kilometers. Its fifth-generation X3 model now navigates urban roads at 40 km/h and has secured partnerships with major courier firms.
Digital China ZTE
In September 2024, Digital China ZTE unveiled its “Thousand Vehicles, Hundred Cities” initiative alongside partners like Yika Zhiche and Trunk Tech. This plan expands the “Qi Ji” autonomous grid vehicles across 10+ cities, including Yantai, Zibo, Wenzhou, and Hefei. By February 2025, the company reaffirmed its phased strategy: “refinement, deep application, and nationwide scaling.”
Cancong Robotics
Despite setbacks at parent company Zongmu Tech, Cancong Robotics’ mobile charging robot “FlashBot” gained traction in 2024. Focusing on East and South China, it deployed 300+ units in Shanghai and secured 60+ commercial projects, including 50 highway service areas. Overseas orders reportedly reached 2,000–3,000 units.
Sinown Intelligence
Sinown aimed for breakeven in 2024 by scaling port, logistics park, and short-haul solutions. By November, it won five bids, expanding its fleet to 250+ vehicles and securing port, bulk cargo, and logistics park contracts worth billions. CEO plans for a 2026 IPO remain on track.
Udao Zhitu
CEO Wang Rui targeted dominance in mining and port sectors by 2024 to pave the way for a 2025 IPO. Revenue surged 25x YoY to tens of millions monthly by June 2024, earning a spot on China’s first autonomous vehicle pilot list.
Conclusion
Following breakthroughs in niche scenarios, 2024 saw accelerated market penetration, with fleets scaling from hundreds to thousands of units. While pioneers like Jiusi and Yikong Zhijia have crossed the commercialization threshold, the broader industry remains nascent. As technology, policy, and competition evolve, the sector faces both unprecedented opportunities and challenges.
