A truck with its own brain. SuperPanther and DHL are developing autonomous transportation

A new phase in the DHL partnership

At IAA Transportation 2026, SuperPanther and DHL Group signed a memorandum outlining potential cooperation on intelligent and automated truck solutions. The companies intend to examine how real-world logistics processes, operational requirements and vehicle data can support the development of autonomous electric trucks.

No specific projects, locations, vehicle numbers or deployment dates have been announced. Further discussions will focus on identifying suitable use cases and assessing the benefits the technology could deliver in day-to-day transport operations.

DHL Freight has already tested autonomous vehicles in controlled yard logistics environments. The company points out, however, that regulatory issues must be resolved before such trucks can operate on public roads in Germany.

The relationship between the two companies is not starting from scratch. They signed their first memorandum in 2024, and in 2025 DHL tested the eTopas 600 in regular operations in Austria, including on the route between Vienna and Wels. The first European-built production electric truck was later handed over to DHL Freight for use in the Netherlands.

A truck designed to understand the whole transport mission

The most significant technology presented by SuperPanther was Truck Brain. The concept introduces an onboard artificial intelligence layer that combines information about the transport order, vehicle condition, surrounding environment and data from external systems.

Real-time systems would continue to process sensor inputs and carry out individual manoeuvres. Truck Brain would operate at a higher level by interpreting the situation, anticipating how it may develop, and setting operational goals and strategies. Each decision would still be checked by a separate coordination and safety layer.

SuperPanther says the system is intended to function without a permanent cloud connection. In its first phase, it will use a specialised model with 7 billion parameters, designed to run on an onboard computer with 1,000 TOPS of computing power.

According to the manufacturer, performance will depend on more than the size of the model. Data collected from vehicles, operational knowledge and experience from real transport operations will also be crucial. This is where the partnership with DHL becomes particularly important.

From driver assistance to higher levels of autonomy

Truck Brain is expected to be developed in three stages. The first is an L2+ system with an onboard artificial intelligence agent that provides context-aware support to the driver. The technology could then be used for Level 4 autonomy in tightly defined operating conditions. The long-term ambition is fully automated vehicles, which SuperPanther describes as “transport robots”.

For 2027, SuperPanther is planning an L2+ motorway pilot. The system is expected to manage active lane changes, in-lane collision avoidance and motorway on-ramps. The driver would remain responsible for driving the vehicle.

The manufacturer stresses that all future functions will need to pass technical validation, receive type approval and comply with applicable regulations. Plans for Level 4 and fully autonomous trucks therefore remain part of the development roadmap rather than a market-ready offering.

A new electric axle and lighter electronics for future trucks

SuperPanther also presented the next generation of its EverDrive electric axle. The unit is designed to deliver 500 kilowatts of continuous power and 43,000 newton-metres of continuous torque. It features a four-speed reduction gearbox, active lubrication and oil cooling. The manufacturer says the new axle is 130 kilograms lighter and approximately 15% more compact than its predecessor.

Another new component is a high-voltage domain controller that brings power electronics, energy distribution and energy management together in a single system. This is expected to reduce system weight by more than 50 kilograms and cut the required installation space by approximately one-third.

Both solutions are still undergoing validation and preparation for series production. They are not fitted to the current eTopas 600 but are intended for future vehicle generations.

1,000 trucks planned for Europe by the end of 2027

SuperPanther has also set more immediate delivery targets. The company plans to supply European customers with approximately 100 trucks by the end of 2026. By the end of 2027, the European fleet is expected to reach 1,000 vehicles. These targets provide a nearer-term test of the manufacturer’s longer-term plans: SuperPanther has previously said it wants to put 16,000 electric trucks on European roads by 2030.

Meeting the new targets will show whether the brand can move from initial deployments to larger-scale sales. Key factors will include not only production capacity at the Steyr plant but also service coverage, spare-parts availability, financing and charging infrastructure.

The eTopas 600 is already in commercial service

The eTopas 600 is not making its debut at this year’s show. SuperPanther first presented the vehicle at IAA Transportation 2024, while series production began in July 2026 at the Steyr Automotive plant in Austria.

The model has received European Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA). The first vehicles were handed over to DHL, Gress, Temmel and Lontex. According to the latest information, they are already being used in daily commercial operations in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Poland and the Czech Republic.

The 4×2 tractor unit uses a 621 kilowatt-hour LFP battery. The manufacturer currently quotes a range of up to 560 kilometres in real-world driving conditions and energy consumption of approximately 0.94 kilowatt-hours per kilometre. Actual results will depend on factors including vehicle configuration, payload, route profile and operating conditions.

Two CCS2 connectors enable simultaneous charging at a combined power of up to 660 kilowatts. The truck’s electrical architecture is also prepared for the future adoption of the MCS standard.

Steyr Automotive is responsible for final assembly and truck validation. SuperPanther, meanwhile, is expanding its European service network, diagnostics, spare-parts logistics and software support, including through cooperation with the Alltrucks network.