The Swedish technology company Einride has, within the framework of an EU project, for the first time operated a fully autonomous, cabless electric truck without a safety driver across a national border. The trip led from Sweden to Norway and ended at the Ørje border crossing. The shipper was the logistics service provider PostNord.
The vehicle crossed the border without human intervention and also completed customs clearance digitally – a novelty in international road freight transport. Einride AB, based in Stockholm, specializes in electric and autonomous commercial vehicles. The deployed trucks have no driver’s seat and are monitored remotely and, if necessary, driven remotely.
Project MODI explores automated heavy-duty transport in Europe
The test run was part of the MODI project, co-financed by the European Union. The aim is to develop safe and practical solutions for automated heavy-duty transport in Europe. In cross-border transports, different legal requirements, technical standards and digital systems apply. These differences complicate the deployment of autonomous vehicles across borders. In addition to national regulations, inconsistent traffic signs, physical infrastructure barriers, and non-harmonized customs procedures are among the challenges.
Digital vehicle registration with Norwegian Customs through “Digitoll”
For entry into Norway, the vehicle was digitally registered with customs in advance. For this, Einride, together with
technology provider Q-Free, used the Norwegian system “Digitoll.” The data exchange occurred via C-ITS technology, which enables wireless communication between vehicle, road and infrastructure. The Norwegian Customs Authority Tolletaten supported the project. They see in the automation of border processes a relevant future topic.
Cabinless commercial vehicle remotely controlled via Einride Control Tower
A cabinless commercial vehicle, designed specifically for autonomous operation, was deployed. It is controlled by the “Einride Driver” system. Control and monitoring are carried out remotely via the Einride Control Tower platform. The vehicle itself is fully electric and operates at low speed. It is particularly suited for planned routes in
logistics networks, as described.
The demonstration was conducted in collaboration with several project partners from Sweden and Norway. These include the Swedish Transport Administration Trafikverket, the Norwegian Public Roads Administration Statens Vegvesen, the Østfold municipality, the Sintef research institute, and Q-Free. The client for the shipment was PostNord, the largest parcel service provider in Scandinavia.
The project participants regard the trip as an important step toward preparing for real-world deployment of autonomous commercial vehicles. In the long term, such systems are expected to help mitigate driver shortages, reduce emissions, and improve road safety. The focus is on regulated use cases in commercial freight transport.
