August 22, 2026. [ OilPrice.com ]- The rise of automation, AI, and electric trucks can fundamentally change the freight transportation industry in the United States, leading to a revolution in transport fuel demand.
Automation and AI-driven freight efficiency could begin eroding U.S. diesel demand by optimizing trucking and inland shipping.
Self-driving trucks from Aurora Innovation (now running commercial routes in Texas and expanding across the Sun Belt) and Gatik’s multi-year autonomous freight partnership with PepsiCo are already scaling inside major North American supply chains, cutting fuel use per shipment and reducing inefficiencies.
Truck platooning and AI-assisted navigation systems (including on Mississippi River barges) further lower energy needs by reducing aerodynamic drag and enabling tighter, more efficient operations.
Diesel remains critical—accounting for ~75% of U.S. distillate use, 14% of total petroleum consumption, and 22% of transportation energy—so sustained efficiency gains plus electrification pose a meaningful long-term risk to petroleum demand.
These advances in freight automation could fundamentally reshape transport fuel consumption in the coming years, with direct implications for diesel-centric supply chains.
Read the full story on OilPrice.com.
Aug 21, 2026 · via tankterminals.com
Autonomous Truck Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Level of Automation (Level 4, Level 5), By Component (Hardware, Software, Services), By Vehicle Type (Heavy-duty Trucks, Medium-duty Trucks, Light-duty Trucks) and By Region (North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2026-2034 Autonomous Truck Market Size & Growth Analysis The global autonomous truck market size was valued at USD 43.28 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 48.09 billion in 2026 to USD 111.79 billion by 2034, registering a CAGR of 11.12% during the forecast period (2026–2034). North America dominated the autonomous truck market with a market share of 38.74% in 2025. Autonomous trucks are commercial vehicles equipped with advanced autonomous driving systems that integrate artificial intelligence (AI), LiDAR, radar, cameras, GPS, and high-performance computing to operate with limited or no human intervention. These vehicles are increasingly deployed for long-haul freight transportation, hub-to-hub logistics, mining operations, port cargo handling, and industrial material movement, improving operational efficiency, road safety, and fleet productivity. The autonomous truck market demand is driven by the growing shortage of commercial truck drivers, rising freight transportation volumes, and increasing investments in autonomous driving technologies by truck manufacturers, logistics providers, and technology companies. Advancements in sensor technology, AI-powered perception systems, and connected vehicle infrastructure are also contributing to autonomous truck market growth. Autonomous Truck Market Key Takeaways - The North America autonomous truck market accounted for a share of 38.74% in 2025. - The Asia Pacific autonomous truck market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.84% during the forecast period. - By level of automation, the level 5 segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.27% during the forecast period. - By component, the software segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.96% during the forecast
Aug 21, 2026 · via straitsresearch.com
Logic Robotics, a developer of autonomous, data-driven logistics solutions, has unveiled what is described “a breakthrough” in multimodal logistics automation with the introduction of its intelligent transloading solution, powered by the Logic Digital Twin Operating System. Designed for rail-to-road operations, the system integrates the Logic Pallet’s autonomous mobility with real-time digital twin visualization to eliminate inefficiencies caused by manual handling and forklift-based processes. The Logic Pallet redefines transloading by autonomously transferring goods between railcars and trucks. Utilizing advanced self-loading and self-unloading capabilities, the robotic system streamlines the handoff between transport modes, replacing conventional methods that depend heavily on human intervention and mechanized lift equipment. The result is faster throughput, improved safety, and reduced operational downtime across intermodal terminals. At the heart of the solution is Logic’s Digital Twin OS, which creates a live, interactive model of the transloading environment. The system continuously monitors and synchronizes data from every Logic Pallet in operation, providing managers with real-time visibility into inventory position, weight distribution, and task progress. By simulating traffic patterns and predicting bottlenecks, the Digital Twin optimizes fleet movements and assigns workloads dynamically to ensure smoother cross-docking and balanced operations under varying load conditions. In addition to enhancing movement efficiency, Logic’s integrated approach ensures data continuity from rail to road. Each Logic Pallet collects weight and inventory data during every transfer, providing critical insights that improve routing accuracy, shipment tracking, and demand forecasting. The resulting dataset gives logistics teams reliable, actionable intelligence that can be used to anticipate disruptions and enhance capacity planning across multiple facilities. Logic’s intelligent transloading solution represents the next step toward a fully autonomous logistics network, where goods move fluidly between transportation modes without delay or guesswork. By combining AI-driven robotics with digital twin technology, Logic is enabling rail operators, freight terminals, and 3PLs to achieve new
Aug 21, 2026 · via roboticsandautomationnews.com
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Aug 21, 2026 · via youtube.com
IRMO, S.C., PHOENIX, Ariz. — Diesel Laptops and Trucker Path are launching a limited-time promotion, offering owner-operators and small fleets a rare opportunity to significantly reduce equipment downtime and operational costs. “By combining professional grade diagnostic hardware with truck specific navigation software, this initiative provides a comprehensive solution for addressing the complexities of modern trucking,” the companies said in a press release. Turn Your Smart Phone Into a Diagnostic Tool “During this limited window, Trucker Path users can take control of their operation with a $100 discount on the Diesel Decoder from Diesel Laptops,” the release said. “This tiny device plugs directly into the diagnostic port, turning a smartphone into a high-powered diagnostic tool with the free Diesel Decoder app. Unlike generic scanners that provide vague data, this tool reads proprietary, manufacturer-specific fault codes—including P-style codes for PACCAR—to give users deeper insights in under 60 seconds.” To ensure users have access to the expertise to match the data, the offer includes 30 days of Diesel Repair Professional, granting users mobile access to the industry’s largest database of wiring diagrams, labor times and technical documents for every make and model, according to the release. Trucker Path Diamond This bundle also includes a 30-day subscription to Trucker Path Diamond, a navigational resource for North American truckers. Used by over one million drivers, Trucker Path Diamond members benefit from AI enhanced trip planning to optimize Hours-of-Service, real-time parking availability at over 20,000 locations and more than 500,000 points of interest relevant to truckers. This comprehensive toolkit ensures drivers have the road intel needed to find the best fuel prices and navigate safely with offline maps even in areas with low data coverage. “This combined toolkit allows users to make the right call immediately,” the release said. “Whether to keep driving, perform a roadside
Aug 21, 2026 · via thetrucker.com
Nevada Opens The Door To Thousands Of Paid Robotaxis, And Tesla Has The Edge Tesla, Waymo, and Uber got the green light to start charging for robotaxi rides in the county that’s home to Las Vegas. - Nevada has approved the rollout of paid robotaxi rides for three companies. - Waymo, Tesla, and Uber can now operate commercial autonomous taxi services in the state. - The three companies received permits to deploy over 5,000 vehicles over the next 12 months. Nevada’s Transportation Authority approved three permits allowing Tesla, Uber, and Waymo to offer paid robotaxi rides in Clark County. In total, the three companies can deploy thousands of autonomous cabs over the next 12 months, according to TechCrunch. With roughly 2.5 million residents, Clark County is the home to Nevada’s three largest cities, including Las Vegas. This gives companies a huge pool of potential clients, but whether or not the three entities will actually deploy thousands upon thousands of driverless taxis over the next 12 months is another story. Tesla Model Y Robotaxi Tesla is the biggest beneficiary, with its permit allowing it to flood the streets with up to 5,000 robotaxis. The company will deploy driverless Model Y electric crossovers at first, according to Tesla representatives who took part in the NTA’s General Session meeting yesterday. Meanwhile, Waymo can deploy 1,000 robotaxis, and Uber another 1,000. The latter will tap its partners, Amazon’s Zoox and Hyundai’s Motional. Zoox had already received an autonomous vehicle network company permit that allows it to operate 100 robotaxis. Recently, Waymo started offering paid rides in its new Zeekr-made Ojai minivans in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, but the company said that Las Vegas is on the list of upcoming cities. That said, the company didn’t say whether it would deploy both Ojai
Aug 21, 2026 · via insideevs.com
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Aug 21, 2026 · via youtube.com
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
Aug 21, 2026 · via fleetpoint.org
Uber introduced 'Uber Baidu Apollo Go Dubai,' integrating Baidu's fully autonomous robotaxis into the Uber network for the first time, with New Horizon Luxury Transport handling operations. In parts of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, users choosing UberX or Uber Comfort may be paired with a driverless car, or they can select the 'Autonomous' option directly in the app. The service uses Apollo Go's sixth-generation RT6, a purpose-built electric robotaxi equipped with more than 30 sensors for real-time perception and onboard data processing. Apollo Go has already expanded to 28 cities worldwide, accumulating more than 350 million autonomous kilometers. As Uber builds what it calls the industry's first hybrid network combining human drivers and autonomous vehicles, this Dubai launch signals that multi-partner AV strategies are becoming central to scaling driverless mobility across new international markets. Image Credit: Uber Key Themes Behind This Trend - Hybrid Ridehail Networks - Blended fleets combining human drivers and autonomous vehicles create flexible mobility systems that can scale gradually while improving utilization and service coverage. - Purpose-built Robotaxis - Electric vehicles designed specifically for autonomous passenger service introduce new possibilities for sensor integration, cabin layouts, and lower-cost urban transport. - Autonomous App Matching - Ridehail platforms that automatically assign driverless vehicles through familiar booking flows reduce adoption friction and normalize autonomous mobility for mainstream users. Where This Applies - Urban Mobility - City transportation ecosystems are shifting as robotaxis expand point-to-point travel options and reshape demand for taxis, shuttles, and public transit connections. - Automotive Technology - Advanced perception systems, onboard computing, and vehicle electrification are opening new market space for suppliers supporting commercial autonomous fleets. - Fleet Operations - Local operating partners gain strategic importance as autonomous services require charging, maintenance, compliance, and customer support infrastructure across international markets.
Aug 21, 2026 · via trendhunter.com
Tesla has confirmed it will unveil the technical specifications and launch details for the Semi’s European market entry at September’s IAA Transportation trade exhibition, according to an official company post on X. The launch, which comes after years of uncertainty about the prospects of a European launch, will see a unit displayed at the trade fair running between 15 and 20 September; details could emerge as early as a press event on 14 September. The announcement marks a notable reversal from a previous Tesla appearance at IAA. When a Semi unit shipped from the US attracted attention at the 2022 show, the automaker offered almost no information about the model’s European future. This time, it has formally confirmed its participation and taken the rare and relatively unusual step of issuing a press release, promising further details on both the launch and the specific European market model variants. The US version of the Semi, whose final production specifications Tesla confirmed in February, comes in two trims: a Standard Range model offering 325 miles (523 km) on a 548 kWh battery at a gross weight of 37.2 tonnes, and a Long Range version reaching 500 miles (800 km) at the same gross weight on an 822 kWh battery. Both use three electric motors delivering up to 800 kW combined and support 1.2 megawatt charging through Tesla’s V4 technology, restoring most of the Long Range’s charge in around 30 minutes. Tesla prices the two US trims at US$260,000 and US$290,000 respectively, positioning the Semi as the Class 8 battery-electric truck with the best range and most affordable price tag in the US. European prices remain unconfirmed but are likely to undercut leading domestic players, including Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ eActros series. Semi manufacturing remains at an early ramp, although volume production did kick off in
Aug 21, 2026 · via automotiveworld.com
Survey Says Truck Fleets Using New Safety Features Fleet Advantage has announced the results of its latest fleet industry benchmarking survey showing the impact new safety technologies have had on transportation fleets, how many fleets are still driving older-model trucks, and the leading reasons motivating upgrade decisions. The survey also shows the continued low demand for electric and autonomous trucks. Fleets benefit from newer safety features According to the benchmark survey, 71 percent of transportation fleets have implemented blind spot mirrors as advanced safety features, while 66 percent have implemented front and rear disc brakes. The survey also showed that 11 percent of transportation fleets estimate they have saved more than $1 million in crash avoidance by upgrading to newer trucks with advanced safety features. These types of safety technologies have led to safer roads for drivers, passengers and other motorists, and have lowered accident costs. This is especially important since trucking fatalities recently reached the highest level in the past 30 years, with the average cost of each heavy-duty truck crash reaching $17.5 million, according to truckloadindexes.com data. As fleets begin to realize these benefits, additional statistics prove new safety technology aided in roadway safety, reduced accidents and improved Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) scores. Sixty-one percent have implemented forward-facing cameras, and 53 percent implemented lane departure warning systems. While forward-facing cameras may not specifically prevent an accident from happening, this technology is helping to lower the overall costs involved in accidents and litigation. A University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute study found that car drivers were assigned contributing factors in 81 percent of crashes involving large trucks, versus only 27 percent for professional drivers. Forward-facing cameras help offer critical evidence that protects truck drivers in these instances. Maintenance, repair drive replacement The bottom line continues to drive
Aug 21, 2026 · via constructionequipment.com
The Rise of Autonomous Trucks: Hub-to-Hub Logistics, Agentic AI, and 24/7 Freight Operations The global freight industry is undergoing a profound paradigm shift, moving rapidly beyond basic vehicle telemetry toward full autonomous orchestration. Historically, fleet connectivity simply meant logging vehicle locations and basic engine diagnostics. Today, a convergence of Agentic AI, Level 4 (L4) autonomous software, edge computing, and cloud platforms is enabling trucks to make complex operational decisions with minimal human intervention. Driven by persistent commercial driver shortages, rising labor costs, and intense pressure to maximize asset utilization, the industry objective has evolved: it is no longer just about removing the driver from the cab, but entirely redesigning freight around continuous, data-driven vehicle efficiency. Hub-to-Hub Logistics: The Middle-Mile Automation Strategy The most commercially viable pathway toward widespread autonomous trucking is emerging through hub-to-hub, or middle-mile, automation. Rather than navigating unpredictable city streets immediately, fleets are deploying SAE Level 4 (L4) trucks on highly predictable long-haul highway corridors between designated terminals. This practical approach leaves complex first-mile and last-mile urban operations to human drivers, who can safely manage pedestrians, intersections, construction zones, and other unpredictable operating conditions. How a Typical Autonomous Freight Network Operates - First-Mile: A human driver transports a loaded trailer from the shipper to an autonomous freight hub. - Middle-Mile: The trailer is transferred to an L4 robotruck to complete the long-haul highway segment autonomously. - Last-Mile: At the destination hub, a human driver takes over the trailer for local, complex city delivery. - Orchestration: Integrated fleet software continuously coordinates dispatching, routing, charging, and terminal capacity. L4 Autonomy and the Rise of the "Robotruck" Under the SAE automation framework, Level 4 autonomy dictates that the automated driving system can perform all driving tasks without requiring a human to take over, strictly within a defined Operational Design Domain
Aug 20, 2026 · via marketsandmarkets.com
Einride reported Tuesday a first-half revenue of SEK 273 million ($27 million), up 26% year over year on a constant-currency basis. It was the Swedish company’s first earnings release since its June 10 Nasdaq listing. Management expects growth to accelerate to between 60% and 73% in the second half. The company is pairing that outlook with two new partnerships. Six days before the earnings, Einride announced a joint initiative with DAF Trucks to integrate its autonomous driving system into DAF’s electric truck platform. It also disclosed plans to deploy 500 Tesla Semi trucks on its Saga AI platform, financed through third-party structures. That single deal would triple the current fleet of roughly 250 vehicles to about 750. Fleet path and third-party financing Einride is targeting cash-flow breakeven in 2028 with between 1,500 and 2,000 trucks in operation. Roughly $800 million of potential long-term annual recurring revenue sits in joint business plans with customers. “We are scaling with capital discipline. By financing fleet growth through asset-backed structures, we’re able to convert signed demand into operating revenue faster while minimizing dilution for our shareholders and executing towards our target to reach cash flow breakeven point in 2028,” said Anubhav Verma, chief financial officer. Net loss widened to SEK 1.12 billion from SEK 887 million a year earlier. Non-cash charges accounted for most of the increase, including a SEK 636 million recapitalization expense tied to the business combination and a SEK 245 million share-based compensation charge related to the listing. Cash stood at SEK 748 million ($77 million) as of June 30. The listing and business combination with Legato Merger Corp. III included an oversubscribed $113 million PIPE financing earmarked for expanding Saga AI coverage and accelerating deployments. The transaction valued Einride at a pre-money equity value of about $1.35 billion, according to
Aug 20, 2026 · via freightwaves.com
The cheesesteak is as much a part of Philadelphia lore as the Liberty Bell, Rocky Balboa running up the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Benjamin Franklin and Robert Indiana’s Love sculpture. “Philly is a sandwich city,” food blogger and Delicious City podcast co-host David Wesolowski told Newsweek. For proof, look no further than the corner of Wharton and 9th Streets where Pat’s King of Steaks is still going strong nearly 100 years after it opened. “Pat's cheesesteak is the original. Even though people call them touristy, they still have their place in the conversation because without Pat's cheesesteaks, there would be no cheesesteak,” Wesolowski explained. He continued: “There's been a renaissance of cheesesteaks as of late. If you are a Philadelphia native, you just go to your regular cheesesteak shop that's down on the corner at the mommy poppy store [where] you can get a cheesesteak under $10. But now we're seeing a rise of almost a $20 cheesesteaks- that’s an elevated cheesesteak.” That renaissance was kicked off in earnest when Cooper Sharp cheese, a highly meltable, processed American cheese beloved by Philadelphians since the early 1900s, was introduced to the cheesesteak equation. It’s debatable which was the first restaurant to use the cheese, but it is clear who made it popular: Danny DiGiampietro. “Danny is I the originator of the cheesesteak renaissance. He was the one who decided that he’s going to bake his own bread, use high-quality meat, use Cooper Sharp,” Wesolowski said. “It's an excellent product.” DiGiampietro owns Angelo’s Pizzeria, which holds a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmond designation. The honor highlights Michelin Guide inspectors' favorite restaurants that deliver great-quality food at moderate or affordable prices. "Angelo's reputation has always been built on quality. We bake our bread fresh every day and use freshly cut ribeye
Aug 20, 2026 · via newsweek.com
Aurora Innovation NASDAQ: AUR executives said the company expects to reach at least 200 commercially operating, fully driverless trucks on public roads in 2026, supported by contracted capacity and growing customer demand for its Driver-as-a-Service offering. During a town hall with retail investors, CEO and Chairman Chris Urmson and CFO Dave Maday discussed Aurora’s technology position, production plans, financing approach, customer adoption and operational expansion. The company said it would not provide financial outlook beyond its previously issued 2026 guidance. Technology and competitive position Urmson said advances in artificial intelligence are helping Aurora’s business but argued that AI alone does not solve the challenge of deploying autonomous technology in safety-critical trucking applications. “There’s a big gap between a demo you could vibe code together” and industrializing autonomous driving for an 80,000-pound vehicle traveling at highway speeds, Urmson said. He pointed to Aurora’s investments in three generations of hardware, its supply-chain relationships, customer network and operating experience as elements of a defensible competitive advantage. Urmson said Aurora is currently the only company operating driverless trucks on public roads and believes its first-mover position will compound as customers gain experience with the Aurora Driver. He said the company expects its technology to continue improving in areas including dynamic rerouting, operating efficiency, weather capability and fleet availability. Aurora expects to operate in light snow and colder weather by the end of the year, Urmson said. For severe conditions such as flooding, black ice or heavy storms, he said the system continuously monitors its environment and can slow down, seek a safe location, pull over or stop when appropriate. Aurora also uses a command-center function to proactively avoid routes affected by significant weather events, according to Urmson. Production capacity and route growth Maday said Aurora is fully contracted to support its 2026 target of
Aug 20, 2026 · via marketbeat.com
Aurora Innovation (AUR) Investor update summary Event summary combining transcript, slides, and related documents. Investor update summary 20 Aug, 2026 Competitive positioning and technology moat - Maintains a defensible moat through years of hardware investment, supply chain know-how, and a growing customer ecosystem. - Only company currently running driverless trucks on public roads, compounding daily operational learning. - AI advances are leveraged but industrializing safety-critical systems requires more than rapid model development. Financial outlook and liquidity - $1.2 billion in liquidity is expected to support operations through positive free cash flow by 2028. - ATM program usage is limited to covering tax liabilities and bonuses in 2027, with opportunistic use otherwise. - Continuously evaluating financing options, with a focus on maintaining a strong cash balance. Commercialization and customer adoption - Revenue-generating contracts are already in place, with growing customer fleets and strong demand. - Fully allocated for 2024, with continued demand for Driver-as-a-Service (DaaS) model. - Hirschbach plans to purchase 500 trucks in 2027-2028; additional large enterprise DaaS commitments are being negotiated. Latest events from Aurora Innovation - Scaling autonomous trucking with 200+ driverless trucks and $80M revenue run-rate by 2026.AURInvestor presentation - Q2 2026 revenue doubled to $2M, $1.2B liquidity, and 200 driverless trucks targeted for 2026.AURQ2 2026 - Driverless trucking expands rapidly, targeting $80M run rate with over 200 trucks by end of 2026.AUR47th Annual Raymond James Institutional Investor Conference - Driverless trucking is scaling rapidly, targeting $80M revenue and broad U.S. expansion by year-end.AURMorgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference 2026 - Autonomous trucking leader targets breakeven in 2026 with rapid scaling and DaaS transition.AURInvestor presentation - Over 200 driverless trucks and 400% revenue growth projected for 2026, backed by $1.28B liquidity.AURQ1 2026 - Achieved 250,000+ driverless miles, $1.46B liquidity, and targets 200+ trucks by end of
Aug 20, 2026 · via quartr.com
If it were up to the Teamsters, they would have us all in Flintstone cars. Teamsters California filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with the goal of overturning the decision to allow autonomous heavy-duty trucks on the state’s roads. The suit argues that self-driving trucks threaten more than 200,000 trucking jobs and asks the court to stop them from taking effect. Earlier this year, the DMV updated its autonomous vehicle regulation to permit testing and eventual commercial operation of trucks weighing more than 10,000 pounds. The Teamsters claim the agency used an abbreviated rulemaking process reserved for minor changes and failed to conduct a full economic impact study. They further allege the DMV wrongly concluded the rules would eliminate zero jobs. This lawsuit is a clear example of rent seeking. Rather than competing on the merits in the free market, the union is attempting to use the courts to protect the status quo. The Teamsters have also argued that autonomous trucks pose an even greater safety risk than smaller self-driving cars. However, human error remains a leading cause of truck crashes. Current examples of autonomous vehicles also demonstrate that they are much safer. For example, Waymo cars had 88% fewer property-damage claims and 92% fewer bodily-injury claims when compared to human-driven vehicles. The data make sense. Human drivers can get drunk, drowsy, and/or distracted, putting them at greater risk of an accident. By contrast, an autonomous vehicle does not face those impediments, making it safer. Furthermore, the longer autonomous trucks are deployed, the better they become at processing more data and responding more effectively. In the same way that the more a human drives the better a driver they become, autonomous vehicles operate under the same framework. Blocking this progress will make autonomous vehicles worse
Aug 20, 2026 · via atr.org
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Aug 20, 2026 · via usatoday.com
British electric vehicle company Voltempo has detailed plans for a cabless, fully autonomous electric truck: a rigid 15.6-metre vehicle that would exceed the UK’s current 12-metre length limit for non-articulated trucks and carry up to 42 tonnes across five axles, against today’s 32-tonne, four-axle maximum. A prototype of the unit, dubbed the “Smart trailer”, is due by September 2027, with production targeted for later that year and first deliveries expected to follow in mid-2028. Removing the driver’s cab is the design’s central proposition. In an interview with Autocar, Founder Michael Boxwell said that the vehicle’s laden weight could fall to between ten and 12 tonnes, against roughly 19 tonnes for a conventional electric articulated truck. The economics behind this argument is strong: if realised, it would free up around 15% more cargo volume and five to seven tonnes of extra payload capacity. That would in turn lift the average freight carried from 16 tonnes to 18.6 tonnes, despite the vehicle sitting 1.5 metres shorter than a standard articulated HGV. “Your average weight on the road is three times lighter because of the rigid body,” Boxwell said. Voltempo will not be manufacturing in-house. Instead, Berkeley Coachworks is building the prototype’s body, with an unnamed major truckmaker supplying the electric powertrain. Testing is planned at an autonomous vehicle test track in South Wales, and the UK’s Automated Vehicles Act, which allows driverless vehicles on public roads, would potentially allow trials to move onto national highways. Boxwell said that every major truckmaker in Europe has already agreed to support formal reclassification of the vehicle category and build to the resulting specification. Having buy-in from industry is essential, given that Voltempo’s design cannot legally operate commercially until regulators approve it. Voltempo is currently targeting fixed logistics routes between ports, railheads and distribution centres rather
Aug 20, 2026 · via automotiveworld.com
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Aug 20, 2026 · via fuelcellsworks.com