Freight firm Einride to enter UK marketplace
Freight mobility company Einride has announced the expansion of its operations into the United Kingdom.
The firm, which provides digital, electric and autonomous technology, will offer electric and autonomous fleets, charging infrastructure and connectivity networks, and other products.
The launch follows Einride’s 2022 expansion into Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Norway – the firm also operates fleets for industrial leaders such as Maersk, AB InBev, Lidl and GE Appliances.
In the UK, the company aims to establish what it describes as “a regional freight mobility grid” along the M1, M5 and M6 between the major metropolitan cities of London, Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol. The starting point of the programme will be the Midlands, which contains a significant share of the UK’s logistics and warehousing facilities.
The firm’s grid concept simplifies freight management over long distances, it said, and removes inefficiencies through “smart handovers” – meaning goods aren’t delayed due to battery recharges or driver changes. Einride’s service takes overall responsibility for all logistical elements, from software to charging infrastructure and maintenance services.
The firm hopes that once a critical mass of transportation volumes is established, the expansion of the grid will be further supported by algorithmic optimisation through its Einride Saga product – and by introducing human-led autonomous technologies such as its heavy duty, cabless trucks, which are monitored by a remote operator.
Commercial partnership
Einride’s first commercial partner in the UK, PepsiCo, will have an initial deployment using Einride connected electric trucks between its Walkers manufacturing sites in Leicester and Coventry. Over the three-year partnership, the truck fleet, powered by Einride’s intelligent Saga platform, will cover more than 750,000 miles previously powered by fossil-fuels, reducing the equivalent of over 1,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
“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.”
Forefront of transport history
Speaking about entering the UK market, Robert Falck, Founder and CEO of Einride, said: “The UK has always been at the forefront of transport history. 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.”
Image courtesy of Einride