Freight technology company Einride AB and manufacturer DAF Trucks have announced a joint initiative to integrate the Einride Driver autonomous software into DAF’s commercial electric vehicle platform.
The collaboration aims to accelerate the large-scale commercialisation of SAE Level 4 autonomous electric freight transportation. Level 4 automation allows vehicles to perform driving tasks independently within defined operational conditions without human intervention, addressing widespread industry challenges such as driver shortages and rising operating costs.
Working alongside experts from the Dutch research institute TNO, DAF and Einride will define, test, and validate key system interfaces on DAF’s electric truck platform—which earned the “International Truck of the Year 2026” title. TNO is also assisting the partners in working with type approval authorities to ensure regulatory compliance for future public road operations.
Initial interface validation and testing will take place throughout 2026, with the integration and commissioning of Einride’s autonomous software on DAF test vehicles planned for 2027.
The project aligns with automated driving initiatives across DAF’s parent company, PACCAR, which has developed autonomous vehicle software through its North American programs. Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer at Einride, noted that the partnership validates the company’s vehicle-agnostic software approach and supports commercial scale-up. Jeroen van den Oetelaar, Chief Engineer and Board Member at DAF Trucks, added that pairing DAF’s electric platforms with autonomous software supports a safer, more sustainable freight ecosystem.
DAF currently manufactures a full range of electric vehicles, spanning from the 12-tonne XB Electric distribution truck to the long-haul XG and XG+ Electric models.
