Baidu-backed DeepWay eyes Europe with licensed e-truck tech

DeepWay, a Chinese electric truck maker backed by search giant Baidu, plans to license its technology to European manufacturers rather than sell its own trucks there. The company aims to earn revenue from licensing its electric powertrain and autonomous driving systems, according to statements reported by Reuters. This "asset-light" approach—earning money from intellectual property instead of building and selling vehicles directly—lets DeepWay enter Europe without heavy factory investment. DeepWay is one of several Chinese electric vehicle startups seeking overseas growth as competition at home intensifies. Licensing offers a faster, lower-risk route into markets where local production and brand recognition are costly to build. The move could pressure established European truck makers, which face rising demand for zero-emission freight vehicles and growing competition from cheaper Chinese models. DeepWay has not announced which European companies it is negotiating with or when deals might be signed.