Electric DAF trucks will be autonomous. The first tests of the Einride Driver system in 2027

DAF and Einride are starting a collaboration to integrate Einride Driver’s autonomous driving system into DAF’s electric truck platform. Einride Driver is a SAE Level 4 solution, which by definition should be able to drive itself and require human intervention only under specific circumstances. The first tests of the interfaces are scheduled for this year, with trials using the ready-made software in trucks taking place in 2027.

DAF wants to be like Waymo, but for heavy transport

The experiment will begin by examining how to integrate Einride’s mechanisms into the truck manufacturer’s electric platform. The solution must be technically sound while also complying with regulations regarding autonomous driving systems in heavy transportation. The issue is that legislation is still in its early stages, so Einride and DAF’s efforts must serve as guidelines or a framework for automated driving codes.

Einride’s prototype vehicles became famous for having no cabins. Their front surface was used solely to shape the airflow around the vehicle.

DAF is part of the American company Paccar, which has already tested autonomous driving systems in the United States as part of the AVP project. The tests did not seem to be successful, as the company is now looking for alternative solutions. Einride, on the other hand, is pleased to have found a major technological partner. Nevertheless, it emphasizes that it develops its mechanisms in a vehicle-agnostic approach, meaning they can potentially be used in cars from various brands.

Paccar experimented with Aurora’s autonomous driving systems as early as 2021

Autonomous trucks will help logistics operators cope with the driver shortage, although it is also unofficially said that the industry is looking for ways to reduce labor costs. These machines will save fuel by traveling in convoys—no human can keep up 2-3 meters behind the vehicle ahead—and they will be able to operate 24 hours a day. Even mandatory refueling every few hundred kilometers will take less time than legally required breaks that allow a human driver to rest.

DAF currently offers several electric trucks: The DAF XB Electric is a 12-ton vehicle for urban transportation, equipped with batteries having a capacity of 141 or 282 kWh (illustration above). The larger DAF XD Electric can have batteries ranging from 210 to 525 kWh depending on the variant. Exactly the same battery capacity ranges (210-525 kWh) are available in the tractor units designed for long-distance use: the DAF XF, XG, and XG+ Electric. It is not yet clear in which model the Einride software will be tested, although promotional graphics suggest the standard models: XG and XG+.

Article Rating

Reader Ratings

[Total: 0 votes Average: 0]

Don’t miss new content — CLICK and FOLLOW Elektrowoz.pl on Google News. You might also be interested in the following ads: