China’s largest lidar maker is ramping up production just as rivals stumble, betting big on a rebound in autonomous-vehicle demand.
> At a Glance
> – Hesai will double manufacturing capacity in 2026
> – Global lidar market is consolidating after a brutal shake-out
> – Company’s ATX sensor already powers major robotaxi fleets
> – Why it matters: The move signals confidence that self-driving cars-and the sensors they rely on-are ready for mass adoption.
The Shanghai-based supplier told News Of Philadelphia it is expanding its Suzhou plant after landing fresh contracts with Chinese and U.S. automakers that plan large robotaxi rollouts this year.
Capacity Surge
Hesai’s new line will push annual output past 1 million sensors, up from roughly 500,000 last year. CEO Yifan Li said the investment “positions us for the next wave of autonomy.”
The expansion follows a 40% price drop in off-the-shelf lidar units during 2025, forcing weaker players to fold or merge. Hesai, already profitable, now holds an estimated 28% global share by revenue, according to industry tallies.
Tech Edge
The company’s latest ATX sensor shrinks the optical engine to a postage-stamp footprint while extending range to 200 meters-key for highway-speed self-driving.
| Specification | Previous Gen | New ATX |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 150 m | 200 m |
| Size | 12 cm³ | 4 cm³ |
| Power | 18 W | 8 W |
Major customers include Baidu Apollo, Pony.ai, and GM’s Cruise, each planning to quadruple robotaxi fleets by 2027.
Market Signal
While Western suppliers like Velodyne and Luminar have cut staff, Hesai’s move suggests China’s EV and autonomy ecosystem is entering a new growth phase.
Key Takeaways
- Hesai doubles lidar production as rivals retrench
- Sensor prices have fallen 40%, accelerating adoption
- Robotaxi fleets expected to quadruple by 2027
The capacity ramp underscores China’s lead in scaling the sensor tech that autonomous vehicles can’t operate without.
