The driverless electric truck from Lidl has been operating on the streets of Edermünde in the state of Hesse, Germany, since the beginning of this week. This initiative marks Lidl's first practical experience as a grocery retailer in Germany and is being carried out in collaboration with the Swedish technology company Einride.
Features of the Autonomous Truck
The new truck operates at Level 4 of the SAE standard, which is the second highest level of automation among the six existing levels. According to the definition of the Federal Highway Research Institute in Germany, this control system permanently takes over the vehicle's steering within a defined area and does not require human intervention. If the truck reaches the boundaries of its operational area or detects a disturbance, it automatically returns to a safe state.
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The vehicle is guided, instead of through a classic driver's cabin, by a set of sensors, cameras, and a central steering system. Lidl's electric truck has the capacity to carry 15 European pallets and travels three times a day between the office building and the distribution center in Edermünde and a nearby branch. During the four-month trial period, this truck is expected to transport over 3,000 pallets.
Logistical Challenges and Benefits
This project is seen as a solution to Lidl's logistical challenges, which is facing a shortage of professional drivers. Thomas Dangelmaier, Head of Operational Logistics at Lidl in Germany, notes that intelligence in this project could lead to greater efficiency and sustainable supply of goods for customers. With over 3,250 branches in Germany, Lidl aims to ensure access to quality products at the right time.
Christian Hirte, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Transport of Germany, has evaluated this project as a sign of innovation in the country and highlights the importance of driverless and emission-free driving. This project is also supported by the Mobility Data Space platform.
However, freight delivery with autonomous trucks is not a new phenomenon in Europe. Einride previously tested a cabinless electric truck in Sweden in 2019 and is now managing around 250 trucks for over 30 customers in seven countries.
International competition is also increasing, with Chinese companies like Pony.ai entering the European market. The speed of the expansion of autonomous trucks depends on regulatory frameworks, and Germany along with 16 other EU countries is working to harmonize the development of autonomous vehicles so that these vehicles can easily travel across national borders.
The economic potential of this field is quite significant, with estimates suggesting that by 2035, the capacity for autonomous freight transport in Europe could reach 80 to 120 billion euros. Meanwhile, European manufacturers are under pressure from competitors and must respond quickly to these developments.
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