Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 18, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. has introduced an innovative electrified smart heavy-duty truck designed to advance the green development of China’s logistics sector. Known as the Zhidao Electrified Highway Transportation System, the vehicle was unveiled at a recent international rail transportation exhibition in Hunan Province.

The new truck combines multiple advanced technologies, including intelligent energy replenishment, smart connectivity, autonomous driving functions, and comprehensive safety management systems.

Power is supplied continuously through pantographs that connect to overhead catenary lines, eliminating the range limitations associated with battery-dependent electric heavy trucks. This design enables extended operation for long-distance and heavy-haul transport.

The intelligent driving system incorporates environmental perception, route planning, decision-making, and precise control execution to improve efficiency and performance. Safety features include dedicated modules for pantograph-catenary interaction, power-supply protection, and driving-risk monitoring, creating a complete real-time safety chain with rapid emergency response capabilities.

The system is particularly suited for heavy cargo transport on highways and in mining areas where abundant wind and solar resources are available. By utilising clean electricity, it contributes to lower emissions and supports sustainable growth in the logistics industry.

Wang Bing, Marketing Director of the Zhidao Electrified Highway Transportation System R&D Center at CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd., stated: “The test vehicles have completed nearly 10,000 km of trial operations. By simulating extreme bumpy and undulating road conditions, we have been continuously refining the performance of the pantograph-catenary system.”

The vehicle demonstrates smooth and quiet operation on straight roads, curves, and slopes, maintaining stable contact between pantographs and overhead lines for reliable power delivery.

China operates around nine million heavy-duty trucks, primarily for bulk commodity transport at ports and mining sites. Reducing operating costs and raising efficiency in this segment is essential for strengthening the national logistics network.

Ongoing optimisation work continues on the Zhidao system. According to the developer, further intelligent and environmentally friendly transport solutions incorporating advanced technologies are expected to emerge in the coming years.