Cross-border operations are particularly complex for autonomous trucks, due to varying regulations, inconsistent road signage, and customs requirements. To overcome these challenges, Einride integrated its system with Norway’s digital customs platform Digitoll, via its partner Q-Free, enabling goods to be pre-declared and cleared without a driver. Norwegian Customs (Tolletaten) supported the initiative, highlighting its potential for future border automation.
The project combined Einride’s proprietary technologies – including its cabless autonomous vehicle, the Einride Driver autonomous driving stack, and the Control Tower for remote oversight – and was carried out as part of the EU co-funded MODI project, which aims to accelerate the deployment of heavy-duty autonomous transport across Europe.
Henrik Green, CTO and General Manager for Einride Autonomous Technologies, said:
“We are immensely proud to have completed the world’s first cabless, electric, fully autonomous cross-border delivery. We are dedicated to continuously extending our capabilities into new applications, showcasing how autonomous technology can enhance transportation safety, efficiency, and sustainability.”
The trial involved cooperation between Swedish and Norwegian partners, including Statens Vegvesen, Sintef, Trafikverket, Østfold kommune and Q-Free, and was conducted on behalf of PostNord, which delivers nearly 200 million parcels annually across the Nordics.
May-Kristin S. Willoch, Head of Environment & DPO at PostNord Norway, said the milestone was about more than just crossing a border:
“It’s about entering a new era for the logistics industry.”
Part of a wider push in Europe
The achievement follows other demonstrations of Einride’s technology in Europe. Just last week, the company showcased Belgium’s first level 4 autonomous truck at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, during the “Port of the Future – Autonomous Summit”. There, a cabless vehicle drove on public roads, signalling how ports may become testing grounds for autonomous mobility solutions in the EU.
At the same time, Einride’s rapid technological progress comes against the backdrop of financial pressures. In 2024, Swedish media reported that the company was struggling with liquidity issues, posting a loss of SEK 1.3 billion in 2023 and cutting staff as part of a restructuring. Despite these challenges, Einride continues to expand its footprint in Europe and North America, positioning itself as one of the leading players in autonomous and electric freight technology.
