Beijing (ZXZC)- Chinese intelligent new energy heavy-duty truck maker, ZERON, recently announced the completion of a Pre-A round funding amounting to 140 million yuan. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the startup, as it has managed to secure funding through three rounds within just a year since its establishment.

Photo credit: ZERON

The funding round was led by Skyview Fund and Lenovo Capital, with Xinyi Capital also participating as a follow-up investor. The allocated funds will be primarily directed towards initiatives such as the mass production of the initial vehicle models, R&D of core subsystems, advancements in autonomous driving algorithms, and the recruitment of top-tier talent.

ZERON, founded in June 2022, is the brainchild of Huang Zehua, former co-founder and engineering partner of leading autonomous driving company TuSimple, and Zhang Hongsong, former General Manager of SANY and Vice President at Beijing Foton Daimler. The company's core focus lies in achieving comprehensive self-research in key areas including powertrain technology, integrated thermal management, and autonomous driving systems. Through a unique blend of software-defined hardware, data utilization, and technological innovation, ZERON aims to revolutionize supply chain dynamics, enabling autonomous safety, control, and cost optimization.

ZERON's 1.0 platform has made rapid strides in development. The initial product lineup will consist of two distinct models, tailored to cater precisely to the short-haul freight segment of the new energy heavy truck market. The debut platform boasts an array of cutting-edge technologies, including in-house developed segmented electric drive axles, a thermal management system founded on heat pump technology, remote-controlled chassis, efficient battery layout, high-terrain body structure, and interconnected driving data computation. The production and delivery of both products are anticipated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2023.