Einride, a freight mobility company that provides digital, electric and autonomous technology, has announced that it has entered the UK market as part of its operational expansion.
The company hopes to use its ecosystem of autonomous shipping solutions to bring sustainable end-to-end freight to the UK, where around 1.4 billion tonnes of goods are transported around the country by road each year, and where road haulage is responsible for more than 20% of domestic carbon emissions.
What’s more, the company cites the Department for Transport’s ambitions, outlined in Future of Freight – a long-term plan, to establish cost-efficient, reliable, resilient and net-zero logistics operations across the UK.
One of the key solutions Einride will be introducing to the UK market is its intelligent platform Einride Saga, electric and autonomous fleets, charging infrastructure and connectivity networks.
This end-to-end technology will be used by Einride in its attempt to establish a regional freight mobility grid along the M1, M5 and M6 between the major metropolitan cities of London, Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.
Einride will initially commence operations in the Midlands’ ‘golden logistics triangle,’ which contains a significant share of the country’s logistics and warehousing facilities.
“The UK has always been at the forefront of transport history,” said Robert Falck, founder and CEO of Einride.
“The efficient and innovative movement of goods has consistently been integral to the growth and prosperity of the UK, with the British pioneering both the railway system and canal networks.
“We’re honoured to be here, teaming up with local partners to further establish the UK as a transport pioneer and ultimately help the country meet its net zero goals.”
The autonomous freight company’s first commercial partnership in the UK is with PepsiCo, which will see an initial deployment using Einride connected electric trucks between its Walkers manufacturing sites in Leicester and Coventry over a three-year period.
“At PepsiCo, we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our business, with a goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2040 as part of our PepsiCo Positive agenda,” said Archana Jagannathan, head of sustainability, PepsiCo UK.
“Our partnership with Einride is a small yet important step towards that ambition, one that will help us drive meaningful progress in sustainable transport.
“With this initial deployment, we’re looking forward to better understanding the potential role electric trucks can play in our transport operations.”
As in other markets, Einride’s UK freight ecosystem will operate on a grid that is planned, optimised and monitored through the Einride Saga platform.
The localised grid concept was developed by Einride to simplify freight management over long distances. The system introduces smart handovers, meaning goods don’t have to be delayed due to battery recharges or a changes in driver during shipping.
What’s more, Einride also takes on responsibility for all logistical touchpoints, including software, reliable charging infrastructure and maintenance services, to provide a holistic and end-to-end service.
This launch follows Einride’s previous expansions into Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway last year.
