Swedish digital, electric and automated road freight technology company Einride demonstrated its second-generation autonomous electric vehicle Rigid Large as well as its charging solution for electric trucks.
Compared to the first generation, the new Rigid Large with more loading space. But Einride did not provide exact technical data and dimensions in its press release. In addition to the new cargo bay, optical sensors, top speed and night vision capabilities have been improved "in response to key customer requests." The new generation of Rigid Large machines is expected to enter service by 2023.
In addition, the company demonstrated its electric truck charging solution: Einride Stations, which will be placed at strategic locations along the road for fleet operators to use. The first Einride Stations in Sweden have opened, while the first Einride Stations in the United States will be built in 2023 near the Port of Los Angeles (an important freight transfer point in California).
Einride is also a partner in the MODI project. The project, co-funded by the European Union and coordinated by ITS Norway, aims to support the introduction of autonomous heavy cargo transport by addressing issues of standardisation, regulatory harmonisation, user requirements, and physical and digital infrastructure. The project will see Einride's self-driving cars cross borders for the first time, particularly on specific sections of the E6 motorway between Gothenburg and Oslo. The MODI project is also an important move by Einride to expand its presence in Norway. In 2023, Scandinavian postal company PostNord will launch Norway's largest fleet of electric heavy trucks to date to service routes in the Oslo area. The company announced its entry into the German market in September 2022.