Einride launched its electric self-driving ‘Pod’ promising more of a fleet management solution than just a hip new product.
Hosting the digital launch of its range of Einride Autonomous Electric Transport (AET) vehicles, company founder Robert Falck emphasized the role of the ecosystem in tailoring the vehicles towards the specific needs of the commercial fleet operator. The range will feature four levels of performance and load carrying from AET 1 to AET 4.
AET 1 and 2 are most suited for closed fenced facilities, harbors and, where permitted, public roads while the AET 3 and 4, available from 2023, will boast higher cruising speed potential to fulfill logistic roles involving long-distance highways and larger warehouses. While the cabs will be free from human drivers, the vehicles will be controlled remotely from a control center.
The entry-level AET 1 will be able to travel up to 20mph, carry 15 commercial pallets and a payload of 16-tons up to a range of 111 miles using a LiDAR designed to work inside fenced areas. At the other end of the spectrum, AET 4 claims a top speed of 53mph, with the same carrying capacity, payload and range but employing a more sophisticated Highway LiDAR suite of sensors.
The company claims the vehicles will enable businesses to reduce transport costs by up to 60% and CO2 emissions by 90% over traditional diesel powertrain vehicles. While these are important operating considerations for the fleet manager, no figures are claimed on the lifecycle carbon footprint of the vehicles against that of the diesel vehicle, especially in view of the fact that the vast majority of the world’s electricity production involves burning fossil fuels.
Nonetheless, Falck said: “We can already see a strong traction from the market to start using autonomous and electric transport. The benefits are clear and we want to be the player in the market that can help our customers to make the transition to a better future of transport happen.”
— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_
Source: https://www.tu-auto.com
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