Einride autonomous on-road trials extend

Progress towards the use of driverless trucks on public roads has taken another step forward as another Einride vehicle begins small-scale operator trials.

Following the commencement of trials by DB Schenker at its site in Jönköping, Sweden, this time the operator is Lidl Sweden. As part of a local innovation day in the city of Kista, north-west of Stockholm, it carried goods on a short journey from an Ericsson site to a Lidl pop-up store nearby.

Both trials have initially been at low speed and closely monitored, although the ambulance pictured was part of a separate demonstration. More extensive trials by the Swedish autonomous truck manufacturer are expected as the country has introduced a new permit system for driverless operations.

The next major operator expected to test the product is Michelin, which is due to begin on-site trials at Clermont-Ferrand early next year, followed by inter-site operations on public roads, subject to French government approval.