Electric truck manufacturer Einride launches in the UK

Einride’s electric trucks are taking to UK roads for the first time after PepsiCo, owner of the Walkers brand, agreed a commercial deal with the Swedish technology firm.

The three-year deal will initially see Walkers using electric Einride trucks between its manufacturing sites in Leicester and Coventry.

The new electric fleet will replace more than 750,000 miles of fossil-fuel-powered haulage, eliminating more than 1,600 tonnes of CO2 emissions, says PepsiCo.

Einride will establish a regional freight mobility grid along the M1, M5 and M6 between London, Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol. 

The starting point will be the Midlands’ ‘golden logistics triangle,’ which lies within four hours’ drive of 90% of the British population and contains a significant share of the country’s logistics and warehousing facilities, it said.

“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 help the country meet its net zero goals.”

Einride’s UK freight system will operate on a grid that is planned, optimised and monitored through the Einride Saga platform.

The grid concept, it says, simplifies freight management over long distances and removes inefficiencies that are otherwise typical for the industry, with smart handovers meaning goods do not have to be delayed due to battery recharges or a change in driver.

Einride takes overall responsibility for all logistical touchpoints, from intelligent software to reliable charging infrastructure and maintenance services which, it says, provide a holistic and high-quality service.

Founded in 2016, Einride already operates fleets for companies including Maersk, AB InBev, Lidl and GE Appliances.

In 2019, it became the first company in the world to deploy an autonomous, electric vehicle (EV) on a public road and was granted approval to operate the vehicle on a US public road in 2022.

Walkers will deploying electric trucks, not the autonomous version.

Archana Jagannathan, head of sustainability at PepsiCo UK, said: “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.

“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.”

Einride plans to establish a network of partners as it expands further into the UK and Ireland, connecting additional shippers and operators which will enable scaling of the grid.

Once a critical mass of transportation volumes is established, the expansion of the grid will be further supported by algorithmic optimisation provided by Einride Saga, and by introducing human-led autonomous technologies such as Einride’s heavy duty, cabless trucks which are monitored by a remote operator.