Plus
Category: AI in Supply Chain / Logistics
Develops AI-powered autonomous driving software for commercial trucks. The software, built on cutting-edge AI including generative AI and large models, is designed to improve safety, efficiency, and driver comfort, and to enable full autonomy. Plus was founded in 2016. The company is led by David Liu. Based in Santa Clara, California, USA & Munich, Germany. Team size: 201-500. Total funding raised: Approximately $720 million. Latest round: Announced planned SPAC merger with Churchill Capital Corp IX (June 2024). Key investors include Sequoia Capital China, Lightspeed Venture Partners, SAIC Capital, Full Truck Alliance, Guotai Junan International, CPE, Wanxiang.
- Founded
- 2016
- Headquarters
- Santa Clara, California, USA & Munich, Germany
- Team size
- 201-500
- Total funding
- Approximately $720 million
Value proposition
Enhancing freight transportation with a scalable, AI-powered autonomous system that improves safety, reduces fuel costs by over 10%, increases driver retention, and provides a clear path to full autonomy.
Products and solutions
PlusDrive (Driver-in, L2++ assisted driving system), SuperDrive (Driver-out, L4 fully autonomous system), PlusVision (AI-based perception software)
Unique value
Pragmatic go-to-market strategy focusing on a 'driver-in' supervised autonomy solution (PlusDrive), allowing for immediate commercial scaling and data collection, while developing its Level 4 'driver-out' system (SuperDrive).
Target customer
Trucking fleets, logistics companies, and truck manufacturers (OEMs).
Industries served
Logistics/Supply Chain AI, Automotive, Transportation
Technology advantage
Advanced AI-powered perception technology using sensor fusion (lidar, radar, cameras) and leveraging generative AI and large foundation models. Strong OEM partnerships facilitate a direct path to factory-installed systems.
How they differentiate
Plus differentiates by commercializing a 'driver-in' system (PlusDrive) for immediate deployment and revenue, while competitors are more focused on a 'driver-out' L4 solution as their primary entry point. This allows Plus to scale faster and gather more real-world data.
Main competitors
Aurora Innovation, Kodiak Robotics, TuSimple, Waabi
Key partnerships
Iveco, TRATON GROUP (Scania, MAN, International), Hyundai, Bosch, Amazon, DSV, NVIDIA, Goodyear
Notable customers
Amazon, Iveco, DSV, Hyundai, TRATON GROUP, Nikola
Major milestones
2019: Completed the first cross-country driverless freight delivery in the U.S. 2021: Started mass production of the PlusDrive system. March 2024: Announced global partnership with TRATON GROUP for L4 autonomous trucks. May 2024: Demonstrated the first L4 autonomous Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell electric truck with Hyundai. Jan 2026: SEC declares S-4 effective for SPAC merger. March 2026: Launched SuperDrive 6.0. March 2026: Fleet trial with International on commercial routes. April 2026: SPAC merger with Churchill Capital Corp IX terminated.
Growth metrics
Logged over 5 million miles of real-world driving with its autonomous systems.
Market positioning
A leader in the commercialization of supervised autonomous driving technology for heavy trucks, with strong partnerships with major OEMs for factory installation.
Geographic focus
North America, Europe, and Asia
Patents and IP
Holds over 400 worldwide patents related to autonomous vehicle technology.
About David Liu
David Liu is the CEO and co-founder at Plus. He helps set the company’s overall strategic direction to become the first autonomous trucking company to mass produce its self-driving system in 2021. David began his career at Hewlett Packard, Silicon Graphics, and later McKinsey.
Official website: https://plus.ai/