Einride Gets NHTSA Nod to Test Driverless Trucks

• Autonomous tech developer Einride has received NHTSA clearance to test its autonomous truck on US roads, with the prototypes set to work for GE Appliances.

• The battery-electric Einride Pod is an SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicle, but also has a remote operator.

• Several autonomous developers are currently testing trucks on routes between warehouses, with this type of route expected to be the first commercial use case for driverless trucks.

A few days ago autonomous truck developer Einride received official approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to test its autonomous, electric truck prototypes on public roads, achieving an important milestone in its vision of an autonomous future. The Swedish company now can test its Autonomous Electric Transport (AET) for an actual customer: GE Appliances.

The driverless Einride Pod will still be monitored by a remote operator, who can assume control if needed, but it will otherwise be on its own on public roads, with the company testing it in mixed traffic. Einride plans to test the Pod in realistic workflows, operating between warehouses and coordinating with teams for loading and unloading cargo. The actual road trials will start in the third quarter of this year at a GE Appliances manufacturing facility.

"This is a type of vehicle that has never before been seen on US roads and marks a major milestone as a turning point for the future of the freight industry," said Robert Falck, CEO and founder at Einride. "We know the autonomous and electric technology of our pod will not only revolutionize transportation but also create thousands of jobs and help America stay competitive."