If you want to convert your fleet to driverless electric trucks, you can soon rent them from Einride. However, a proud little sum is due monthly.
The start-up Einride, founded in Sweden in 2016, is now accepting reservations for the latest evolution of its driverless electric truck, the T-Pod. Initially, the Scandinavians want to deliver vehicles with a low level of autonomy based on their own single-ride scale, with variants qualified for higher levels to follow in two to three years. The vehicles are not sold, but rented out. The prices should be at least 15.300 euros per month.
The new version of the T-Pod is characterized, among other things, by a smooth and more aerodynamic outer skin and a new light design. As before, the three-axle 26-tonner with an electric range of 200 kilometers does not have a driver's cab, which is why Einride also calls the vehicle an Autonomous Electric Vehicle (AET). However, the Swedes do not divide the autonomy level on the customary scale from 0 to 5, but into AET levels 1 to 5. Only variants of the first four levels can now be pre-ordered. With Lidl Sweden, Oatly, Bridgestone and Norhtvolt, Einride already has several customers.
Expensive subscription
Level 1 vehicles are suitable for use in areas closed to public traffic with fixed routes. A typical area of application is a company site. In level 2, the T-Pod should also be able to use public transport roads over short distances. AET level 3 stands for use on secondary and main lines with little traffic at a maximum speed of 45 km / h, while AET 4 can also drive main lines and motorways at up to 85 km / h.
If you want to use a T-Pod, you first have to transfer a reservation fee of around 8.500 euros to Einride. You can then use the T-Pod with a subscription. For the versions with AET 1 and 2, which will be available soon, customers will then have to pay 15.300 to 16.100 euros per month, for 3 and 4 the costs are to rise to 17.000 to 19.000 euros. The prices also include a remote operator, because the T-Pod is also monitored on its tours by a control center, from which the vehicle can also be remote-controlled.