IVECO said it has agreed to work with long-time partner PlusAI to deploy heavy-duty trucks equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving systems in Southern Europe, marking a planned first for the region.
Under the programme, IVECO, a brand of Iveco Group, and U.S.-based autonomous driving software company PlusAI will develop two IVECO S-Way heavy-duty trucks fitted with PlusAI’s SuperDrive virtual driver system. The vehicles are expected to begin multi-year testing in 2026, with a safety operator present in the cab throughout the trial period.
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The autonomous trucks are intended to operate on freight routes for Spanish logistics company Sesé, travelling between Madrid and Zaragoza along a corridor of about 300 kilometres. The project is being carried out in cooperation with the regional government of Aragon.
IVECO said the trials will focus on evaluating the performance of Level 4 autonomous driving technology in real-world freight operations. Level 4 systems are designed to handle driving tasks without human intervention under defined conditions, though the vehicles in the programme will continue to carry safety operators.
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The initiative builds on previous collaboration between IVECO and PlusAI, which have conducted testing on advanced driver-assistance and autonomous driving systems in earlier projects. Iveco Group said it views automation as part of its broader technology development strategy for commercial vehicles.
PlusAI said the programme expands its European activities, following earlier work on autonomous trucking projects. The company is in the process of becoming publicly listed through a previously announced business combination with Churchill Capital Corp IX.
IVECO did not disclose a timeline for potential commercial deployment or provide details on regulatory approvals beyond the planned testing phase.
