DP World and Einride to deploy the largest autonomous electric truck fleet in the Middle East

Electric and autonomous freight specialist Einride is expanding on previous plans to deploy more commercial vehicle technology and infrastructure in the Middle East. The mobility company has partnered with supply chain solutions provider DP World to help make its fleet of 100 electric trucks operate more efficiently in Dubai before potentially going autonomous soon.

Einride continues to grow its reputation as a leader in electric and autonomous freight mobility. With roots in Sweden, it has expanded into a second headquarters in the US. In the years we’ve been covering Einride, we’ve seen the company expand to new regions, including Germany, the UK with PepsiCo, and most recently, the Netherlands with Heineken.

Part of those expansion plans have also included sending Einride’s suite of technologies to the Middle East. In March 2023, Einride announced a new partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure to deploy an entire ecosystem of EVs, autonomous trucks, and chargers across 550 km (341 mi) of grid called “Falcon Rise.”

According to the agreement, Einride’s full freight mobility contribution included 2,000 electric trucks, 200 autonomous trucks, and eight charging stations home to over 500 charging points. Now, just over a year later, Einride has signed a new partnership in the Middle East with DP World to help operate its electric trucks at a port within the Falcon Rise grid.

Einride Saga to help DP World EV freight in the Middle East

Einride shared details of its latest partnership in the Middle East today. It involves helping DP World electrify its inter-terminal container flows at the Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, the 10th busiest port in the world.

Operating 24/7 at the port, Einride relayed that this will be the largest deployment of electric, autonomous freight mobility in the Middle East. Although Einride is not providing DP World with electric trucks, its proprietary Saga fleet management software will be integrated into each to analyze, optimize, and maximize the efficiency of its new partner’s road freight operations.

The fleet will consist of 100 electric trucks, which will all be connected via Einride Saga, and by the end of 2024, the partners expect to scale up to support about 1,600 container transfers in Dubai daily. Einride founder and CEO Robert Falck spoke about the company’s growing presence in the Middle East:

Einride and DP World are driving a paradigm shift in the landscape of freight mobility in the Middle East. Our collaboration underscores a shared dedication to sustainability and innovation, merging Einride’s expertise in electrification and autonomous technology with DP World’s global logistics leadership. By reshaping container transportation in Jebel Ali Port, we aim to set a new standard for sustainable transport practices, significantly curbing CO2 emissions. This collaboration showcases the effectiveness of combining visionary ideals with decisive action, paving the way for a more resilient future.

Einride and DP World shared that once the proposed electric freight operations reach full capacity, their efforts will save up to 14,600 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e 158 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOx) annually.

In addition to integrating Saga across DP World’s electric truck freight operations, Einride shared plans to implement autonomous freight routes on Dubai’s roads, beginning with a pilot program in 2025.