Einride and DAF target Level 4 autonomous electric trucks Einride and DAF Trucks have announced a joint initiative to integrate Einride’s autonomous driving system, Einride Driver, into DAF’s premium electric truck platform, bringing SAE Level 4 autonomous electric trucks closer to commercial deployment. The collaboration is aimed at addressing some of the biggest challenges facing the road transport industry, including driver shortages, rising operating costs and the need to reduce freight emissions. SAE Level 4 represents a high level of driving automation in which a vehicle can perform driving tasks independently under predefined conditions, without human intervention. This could allow drivers to concentrate on other logistics activities where their expertise and judgement deliver greater value. Einride autonomous technology meets DAF electric trucks As the first stage of the project, Einride and DAF will work with Dutch independent research institute TNO to define and test how Einride Driver can be integrated into DAF’s electric truck platform. The work will focus on establishing the interfaces required to support safe, scalable autonomous operation. It will use DAF’s electric truck platform, which was jointly voted ‘International Truck of the Year 2026’ for its efficiency, smooth driveline performance and driver comfort. The companies will also work closely with type approval authorities, with TNO providing support, to ensure the vehicle platform can meet the requirements for potential future expansion onto public roads. Initial testing and validation of key interfaces is planned during 2026. In 2027, Einride’s autonomous driving software will be integrated and commissioned on a DAF truck, followed by further interface validation and functional testing. PACCAR autonomous driving experience The initiative also builds on PACCAR’s existing automated driving activities, including experience gained through its North American Autonomous Vehicle Platform (AVP) programme. PACCAR is also working with emerging full-stack technology providers as the autonomous trucking ecosystem