New Wave of Truck Startups Sparks Renewed Funding Frenzy

[Investment Trends] In Q1 2026, new-energy intelligent truck startups raised over RMB 3 billion, as investors shift toward a more pragmatic rationale.

Core Trend: Capital Focuses on Commercialization Capability

At the start of 2026, emerging truck startups secured substantial funding in quick succession. DeepWay alone raised RMB 1.177 billion in a single round, pushing total industry investment past RMB 3 billion—far exceeding the same period in 2025. Unlike earlier phases that chased technological concepts, current investors now prioritize demonstrated operational performance in real-world scenarios and sustainable profitability potential.

Strategic Foundation: Breaking Free from Cash-Burning Dependency Is Now a Matter of Survival

Amid a broader cooling in autonomous driving investments, the new-energy intelligent truck segment is bucking the trend with rising investor interest. Companies still relying on a "burn cash for scale" strategy risk repeating the fate of the previous startup wave, which ended in widespread collapse. 2026 could become the pivotal year that reshapes the industry landscape.