Einride and DAF Trucks (a PACCAR subsidiary) have announced a joint initiative to integrate Einride’s autonomous driving system, Einride Driver, into DAF’s premium vehicle platform.
The collaboration marks a significant step toward the large-scale commercialization of SAE Level 4 autonomous electric freight transportation in response to industry challenges such as driver shortages and rising operating costs.
Integration of technology and electric truck platform
As a first step, Einride and DAF, together with experts from TNO (the Dutch independent research institute for applied science and innovation), will collaborate to define and test the integration of Einride’s autonomous drive system into DAF’s electric truck platform. This includes establishing the required interfaces to enable safe and scalable autonomous operations.
Compliant for future expansion
With the assistance of TNO, Einride and DAF are working closely with type approval authorities to ensure the platform is compliant for future expansion onto public roads. Initial tests and validation of key interfaces will be conducted during 2026, followed in 2027 by the integration and commissioning of Einride’s autonomous driving software, with all subsequent interface validation and functional testing performed on a DAF truck.
Automated driving strategy
This initiative builds on PACCAR’s automated driving activities, where significant experience has already been gained through the North American Autonomous Vehicle Platform (AVP) program. In parallel, PACCAR is advancing developments within the broader autonomous trucking ecosystem in collaboration with emerging full-stack technology providers. This reflects the rapid evolution of scalable, software-defined autonomy solutions for heavy-duty transportation. Insights from these programs provide additional opportunities to accelerate the development of autonomous capabilities within the DAF platform.
“By leveraging DAF’s decades of manufacturing excellence and market strength, we can expedite the global scale-up of Einride’s autonomous technology,” said Henkrik Green, chief technology officer at Einride. “This collaboration validates our vehicle-agnostic approach to autonomy and brings us one step closer to deploying safe, scalable Level 4 autonomy at commercial scale.”
“This collaboration is a testament to DAF’s commitment to innovation and futureproofing the logistics sector,” said Jeroen van den Oetelaar, DAF Trucks’ chief engineer and member of the board. “By combining our premium truck platform with leading autonomous technology, we are actively shaping a more efficient, safer and sustainable freight ecosystem.”
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