Swedish electric self-driving truck company, Einride, has announced a strategic partnership with PostNord, Scandinavia’s leading postal service, to reduce CO2 emissions in Norway. Einride expects to lower emissions by 2,100 tonnes over the next three years through the use of its electric trucks. This collaboration aligns with Norway’s ambitious goal of making all heavy vehicles emission-free by 2040, which could potentially cut the country’s annual CO2 emissions by 4.4 million tonnes, or nearly 9%.
Norway is already recognized for its leadership in electrifying passenger vehicles, and Einride’s CEO, Robert Falck, believes it is logical for the country to take a leading role in electrifying heavy-duty freight as well. By employing Einride’s electric trucks, PostNord will significantly reduce its reliance on fossil-fuel-driven deliveries, covering more than 1,500 km (932 miles) per day in Norway.
The environmental benefits of utilizing zero-emission vehicles for transporting goods are substantial, according to May-Kristin Willoch, the assistant director of sustainability at PostNord Norway. As a result, this partnership will not only contribute to reducing CO2 emissions but also promote sustainable logistics practices.
The initial phase will involve deploying six electric connected trucks in the Oslo region this month. However, the long-term goal is to expand the fleet to include 35 trucks by June 2024. PostNord will pay a monthly fee to access Einride’s electric and digital services, which encompass the use of the electric trucks owned by Einride.
While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the investment in self-driving technology for freight trucks has gained attention in recent years. It is considered more cost-effective and easier to implement compared to self-driving cars. Self-driving freight services require less complex mapping as they primarily operate on fixed routes along major highways, which have fewer intersections and pedestrians.
Einride’s expansion into Norway will extend the Nordic Link grid, connecting various locations within the Oslo region. In the future, the grid will be further extended to link Norway, Sweden, and Denmark along the E6 highway. This infrastructure development is expected to facilitate more efficient and sustainable transportation across the Nordic countries.
The collaboration between Einride and PostNord marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of greener and more innovative transportation solutions. By combining electric and autonomous technologies, the partnership aims to contribute to Norway’s ambitious emission reduction targets and serve as a model for sustainable freight transportation in the region.
