A Swedish company has successfully operated a fully autonomous heavy-duty vehicle on a public road in Belgium. Einride is a digital, electric, and autonomous solutions for road freight.
Its safety-validated demonstration, achieved at Port of Antwerp-Bruges, was permitted under the Belgian regulatory framework.
The demonstration showcased how Belgium — and Europe — can take the lead in advancing autonomous freight technology.
Autonomous and sustainable applications
“Antwerp is more than a logistical hub: it is also a place where the mobility of tomorrow is tested and concretized. Autonomous and sustainable applications such as Einride’s proves that innovation is a driver for competitiveness and economic growth,” said Johan Klaps, chairman of the board of directors the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
This milestone, operated under the Belgian regulatory framework, showcases how Belgium – and Europe — can take the lead in advancing autonomous freight technology.
Operational with autonomous trucks
Einride is already operational with autonomous trucks on behalf of customers in both Europe and the U.S. Einride’s electric freight platform utilizes data accumulated over several years of operations, posing a unique position to deploy autonomous technology at scale.
The company revealed that the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is one of the most complex logistics centers in the world, where autonomous systems can ensure smoother goods flows and lower emissions by utilizing resources more efficiently.
“Now in our third European country, Einride continues to demonstrate success in securing permits and achieving first-of-their-kind deployments. Today in Antwerp, we showcase how public and private sectors can come together toward shared goals,” said Henrik Green CTO and General Manager for Einride Autonomous Technologies.
“European Ports, such as Antwerp-Bruges, are essential for decarbonizing logistics and secure our supply chains; and with the European Commission acknowledging autonomous vehicles as key to EU competitiveness, we’re proud to showcase a clear example of how innovation and regulation can be balanced for safer, more efficient and sustainable logistics.”
One of the biggest fleets of heavy-duty electric trucks
Einride revealed that it operates one of the biggest fleets of heavy-duty electric trucks in the world, serving companies across North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
The company’s freight platform uses data gathered over years of operations, which puts it in a unique spot to roll out autonomous tech at scale. Because of its purpose-built cabless vehicle, Einride also has the ability to scale with less than one remote operator per vehicle, paving the way for more cost-efficient logistics solutions, according to a press release.
“With this world first, we show that autonomy in our port is not a far-fetched show. Autonomous solutions are already making us smarter, safer, and more sustainable today,” said Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
“And that is exactly what we need to continue strengthening our role as a world port. After all, we not only want to be a gateway for goods but also a gateway to the future.”
link