DAF and Einride join forces to accelerate the scaling up of autonomous electric freight transport

With this collaboration, Einride and DAF are taking a significant step towards the large-scale deployment of autonomous electric freight transport at SAE Level 4. Through this partnership, Einride and DAF are responding to key challenges within the transport sector, such as the driver shortage and rising operating costs.

At SAE Level 4, a vehicle can independently perform repetitive driving tasks under predefined conditions without human intervention. This allows drivers to focus on tasks within the logistics chain where their knowledge and experience make the difference.

Integration of technology and the platform for electric trucks

As a first step, Einride and DAF, together with experts from the independent Dutch research institute TNO, are investigating and testing how Einride Driver can be integrated into DAF's new electric trucks; the series of vehicles that was named 'International Truck of the Year 2026'. The collaboration includes, among other things, the development of technical connections between the truck and the software, so that autonomous transport operations become safe and scalable in the long term.

Suitable for future expansion

With support from TNO, Einride and DAF are working closely with type-approval authorities to ensure that the platform meets the requirements for future deployment on public roads. The first tests and validations of key interfaces will be carried out in the course of 2026. Subsequently, the integration and commissioning of Einride's autonomous driving software will take place in 2027, and all further validations and functional tests will be performed on DAF trucks.

Automated driving strategy

This initiative builds on the extensive experience PACCAR has gained with automated driving, including within 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 transport. Insights from these programs provide additional opportunities to accelerate the development of autonomous capabilities within the DAF platform.

One step closer to L4 on a commercial scale

“Thanks to DAF’s years of experience in truck production and strong market position, we can accelerate the global rollout of Einride’s autonomous technology,” said Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer at Einride. “This collaboration confirms our vehicle-independent approach to autonomous driving and brings the large-scale deployment of safe and scalable Level 4 autonomy a step closer.”

Building a more efficient ecosystem for freight transport

“This collaboration underscores DAF’s ambition to contribute to the future of the transport sector through innovation,” said Jeroen van den Oetelaar, Chief Engineer and Board Member at DAF Trucks. “By combining our high-quality truck platform with leading autonomous technology, we are actively shaping a more efficient, safer, and more sustainable ecosystem for freight transport.”

Complete electrical range

DAF offers a complete range of electric trucks, ranging from the 12-ton XB Electric for urban distribution to the XG and XG⁺ Electric for long-distance transport. The XG Electric and XG⁺ 
 Electric share the same DNA as the XD and XF Electric trucks, which were jointly named 'International Truck of the Year 2026' due to their high efficiency, smooth powertrains, and excellent driving comfort.