Core Insights - The article highlights the evolution of the electric logistics vehicle industry over the past decade, focusing on the journey of the company "地上铁" (Di Shang Tie) and its founder Zhang Haiying, who recognized the potential of electric vehicles in reducing costs for logistics companies, particularly in urban distribution scenarios [1][3][8] Company Development - Founded in 2015, Di Shang Tie aimed to promote the electrification of urban logistics vehicles, despite the initial lack of market interest and infrastructure [1][3] - The company has developed a comprehensive asset operation solution that includes vehicle leasing, charging, maintenance, and recycling, transforming the logistics vehicle sector into a standardized and efficient operation [1][4] - By 2025, Di Shang Tie operates in over 200 cities with a fleet exceeding 180,000 vehicles, marking significant growth from its early days [2][4] Financing and Valuation - Di Shang Tie has completed nearly 10 rounds of financing, with notable investments from prominent firms such as Ningde Times, leading to a valuation exceeding $2 billion, positioning it as a unicorn [2][4] Market Trends - The penetration rate of new energy logistics vehicles has rapidly increased, with a reported 37.55% year-on-year growth in sales, reaching a penetration rate of 29.19% in the first eight months of the year [8] - The logistics sector is expected to experience a high growth cycle until at least 2030, driven by market demand and technological advancements [8][9] Business Model - Di Shang Tie's business model focuses on providing usage rights and service guarantees rather than vehicle ownership, differentiating it from traditional rental models [5][6] - The company emphasizes a data-driven approach to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve vehicle longevity, with a reported 20% reduction in total cost of use (TCU) through its leasing model [6][7] Industry Challenges and Opportunities - The logistics industry is characterized by fragmentation, with a significant number of small logistics providers, creating opportunities for companies like Di Shang Tie to consolidate and optimize operations [4][5] - The shift towards electric logistics vehicles is supported by evolving retail demands and the need for efficient supply chain solutions, necessitating collaboration across the entire logistics ecosystem [9]

Core Insights - The article discusses the evolution and growth of the company "地上铁" (Di Shang Tie) in the new energy logistics vehicle sector over the past decade, highlighting its innovative business model and market potential [1][2][9] Company Overview - Founded in 2015 by Zhang Haiying, the company focuses on the electrification of urban logistics vehicles, recognizing the cost-saving potential of electric vehicles for logistics companies [1][3] - The company has developed a comprehensive asset operation solution that includes vehicle leasing, charging, maintenance, and recycling, transforming the logistics vehicle sector into a more standardized and efficient industry [1][2][4] Financing and Growth - After initial struggles to attract investment, the company has completed nearly 10 rounds of financing, with notable investors including Ningde Times, which invested in March 2023, making it the only new energy logistics vehicle investment in their portfolio [2][5] - The company's valuation has surpassed $2 billion, and it has transitioned to a joint-stock company, signaling a move towards more structured governance and greater capital market opportunities [2][5] Market Dynamics - The penetration rate of new energy vehicles has rapidly increased, with the company operating in over 200 cities and managing more than 180,000 vehicles as of October 2025 [2][9] - The logistics sector is characterized by fragmentation, with a significant number of small logistics service providers, creating a demand for standardized and efficient solutions [6][9] Business Model and Strategy - The company differentiates itself by focusing on service guarantees and usage rights rather than vehicle ownership, aiming to connect logistics companies and optimize resource allocation [6][7] - The introduction of a digital platform and total cost of use (TCU) model has allowed the company to reduce operational costs by over 20% and improve vehicle efficiency [7][8] Future Outlook - The logistics sector is expected to experience a growth phase lasting until at least 2030, driven by market demand and technological advancements [9][10] - The company is also looking to expand its successful domestic model internationally, collaborating with local firms to adapt its operational strategies [10]