Under the proposed arrangement, TRATON would commit up to $25 million in non-dilutive research and development funding to support the further integration of PlusAI’s SuperDrive autonomous driving software into factory-built trucks across TRATON’s brands. The companies said the agreement remains non-binding and is still subject to negotiation of definitive terms.
As part of the expanded cooperation, TRATON plans to nominate a representative to PlusAI’s board of directors following the software company’s planned public listing, subject to the usual approvals. The partnership would also give TRATON access to private warrants linked to future revenue generated by commercial deployments of TRATON-branded trucks equipped with PlusAI’s technology.
According to the companies, the proposed funding would be used to deepen software integration, expand safety validation, and prepare for commercialisation programmes in both the US and Europe. Additional funding could be considered later if agreed milestones are met.
Building on an existing collaboration
TRATON and PlusAI first announced their cooperation in 2024, when PlusAI’s SuperDrive system was selected as the on-highway autonomous driving platform for several TRATON brands, including Scania, MAN and International.
Since then, the partners have been working on factory integration and real-world testing. One of the most advanced activities to date has been the launch of autonomous fleet trials in Texas, where International trucks equipped with PlusAI’s system are being tested with a major North American logistics operator. The trials are focused on long-haul, on-highway use cases.
The companies say these tests form part of their broader effort to validate Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, including driverless safety manoeuvres and common software operation across the US and European environments.
US focus first, Europe later
While the initial commercial emphasis is on the United States, TRATON and PlusAI said they are also laying the groundwork for a later expansion into Europe. This includes defining operational design domains, identifying priority freight corridors and preparing manufacturing systems for larger-scale production of autonomous-ready vehicles.
TRATON described autonomous driving as part of its long-term technology planning, while PlusAI pointed to progress in moving its software from development into factory-integrated vehicles and pilot operations. Both companies stressed that commercial deployment will depend on further technical validation, regulatory progress and customer adoption.
For now, the announcement signals a deepening of cooperation rather than a final go-to-market decision, with key elements of the partnership still subject to further agreement.
PlusAI also launches first Level 4 pilot in Southern Europe
Alongside its expanded cooperation with TRATON, PlusAI has also announced the launch of what it describes as Southern Europe’s first Level 4 autonomous trucking programme, this time in partnership with IVECO, the commercial vehicle brand of Iveco Group.
The programme, which is set to begin in Spain in 2026, will involve two IVECO S-Way heavy-duty trucks equipped with PlusAI’s SuperDrive autonomous driving system. The vehicles will operate on freight routes between Madrid and Zaragoza, covering a distance of around 300 kilometres, with a safety operator on board for the entire trial period.
According to the announcement, the pilot will be carried out in cooperation with Spanish logistics operator Sesé and the Government of Aragon, and is planned as a multi-year testing programme rather than a commercial deployment.
The Spanish project highlights a different stage of PlusAI’s European activities compared with its work with TRATON. While the TRATON partnership is currently focused on preparing factory-built autonomous trucks for future large-scale production, the IVECO programme remains centred on supervised testing and validation under real-world conditions.
PlusAI’s European trials are taking place alongside preparations for its planned public listing via a business combination with Churchill Capital Corp IX, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.
