DHL Launches Its First Licensed Autonomous RoboVan on Public Roads, Enabled by Zelostech
June 18, 2026
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Changzhou, June 8 — DHL has launched its first licensed autonomous logistics RoboVan operating on public roads. The deployment marks a significant milestone in DHL’s broader strategy to accelerate intelligent and automated logistics operations globally.
The vehicle has obtained both public-road authorization and autonomous driving operational approval, and is now running in continuous commercial service. The deployment has also been selected as part of Changzhou’s first batch of commercial pilot programs for autonomous systems, underscoring growing regulatory and operational readiness for autonomous logistics in real-world environments.
This milestone represents a significant step forward in DHL’s global transformation toward intelligent logistics, particularly in the integration of autonomous vehicles into operational transport networks. It also further reinforces Zelostech’s position as a global leader in L4 autonomous logistics technology, with proven deployment capability across multiple international markets.
As one of the world’s leading logistics providers, DHL operates across more than 220 countries and territories. This deployment reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to applying advanced technologies to build a more resilient, intelligent, and scalable logistics network.
Turning Operational Constraints into Scalable Logistics Performance
The deployment is powered by the Zelostech Z5 autonomous vehicle, featuring a payload capacity of over one ton and designed for continuous, all-weather operation in real-world logistics environments.
The solution currently supports a leading customer in the display equipment industry whose operations require highly reliable and time-sensitive transportation. Due to the location of the facility and increasing demand for flexible fulfillment windows, conventional transportation models created limitations in responsiveness, operational efficiency, and cost control.
To improve performance, DHL and Zelostech established a dedicated autonomous logistics route connecting the DHL Express Service Center with the customer’s production site. The route spans approximately 38 kilometers per trip and operates with an average transit time of 1.5 hours.
By introducing autonomous transport into daily operations, the deployment enables extended cut-off times, greater scheduling flexibility, and more stable service delivery while reducing reliance on traditional transportation resources.
The result is a more resilient and scalable logistics model—demonstrating how autonomous mobility can move beyond pilot programs and deliver measurable operational value in commercial environments.
DHL Express Jiangsu Regional General Manager Tian Haitian commented:
“The deployment of autonomous vehicles marks another important step in DHL’s journey toward normalizing intelligent logistics operations. By applying autonomous driving technology, we are able to directly address customer pain points while improving efficiency and reducing costs. We will continue to explore innovative logistics scenarios and business models, using technology to drive service evolution and create greater value for our customers.”
Expanding a Global Partnership: DHL × Zelostech
This deployment builds on a growing international collaboration between DHL and Zelostech.
In early 2025, Zelostech was awarded the global championship at the DHL Fast Forward Challenge in Dubai for its proprietary L4 autonomous driving technology, marking a key milestone in global recognition of its autonomous logistics capabilities. Following the competition, Zelostech, DHL, and Dubai South entered into cooperation to explore overseas autonomous logistics pilot programs.
Earlier in Singapore, Zelostech also supported DHL in live operational trials at DHL’s Advanced Regional Center, marking one of the earliest real-world integrations of autonomous logistics vehicles into DHL’s global network.
The partnership between DHL and Zelostech continues to expand across geographies, moving from pilot validation toward scaled commercial deployment.
Zelostech will continue to advance its autonomous driving technology, expand into increasingly complex operational environments, and develop scalable logistics solutions for global deployment. Together with DHL and other international partners, the company aims to accelerate the transformation of global logistics toward safer, more efficient, and more intelligent autonomous systems.
About Zelostech
Zelostech is a global leader in autonomous driving technology and the world’s largest RoboVan enterprise, pioneering large-scale commercial deployment of autonomous logistics across open and closed road environments. As the global pioneer of RoboVan, Zelostech developed the world’s first autonomous van to achieve fully driverless operation in real-world scenarios, powered by its map-free L4 full-stack proprietary technology. To date, more than 25,000 autonomous logistics vehicles are in active operation worldwide, accumulating more than 100 million kilometers, serving high-frequency, mission-critical logistics scenarios. https://zelostech.ai/
About DHL
DHL is a global leader in logistics and supply chain management, operating across more than 220 countries and territories. As part of Deutsche Post DHL Group, the company provides express delivery, freight, supply chain, and e-commerce solutions that support global trade and enterprise logistics at scale. Since 1969, DHL has driven innovation in logistics through continuous investment in technology, automation, and digital transformation, building one of the world’s most advanced and connected delivery networks.https://www.dhl.com/
Media Contact: pr@zelostech.com
