Swedish startup Einride is set to premiere its fully electric autonomous T-pod truck on a public road in Sweden. The cab-less T-pod, meaning there is no driver on board, will be used to deliver goods and will operate on a route between a warehouse and a terminal in Jönköping, Sweden, starting from May 15.
In November 2018, Einride and logistics firm DB Schenker initiated the first installation of an autonomous, all-electric truck at a DB Schenker facility. It was the first commercial installation of its kind in the world.
The Swedish Transport Agency has given approval for Einride to expand the application onto public roads, following a satisfactory operation in accordance with Swedish traffic regulations.
The permit applies to a short distance on a public road within an industrial area – between a warehouse and a terminal – where traffic speeds are typically low. The permit is valid until December 31, 2020.
The official inauguration of the groundbreaking self-driving vehicle will be hosted by Robert Falck, founder and CEO of Einride, Jochen Thewes, CEO of DB Schenker, and Mats Grundius, CEO of DB Schenker Cluster Sweden, Denmark, Iceland.
Should the pilot be successful, it is understood the companies are looking into expanding the technology into further international markets.