Swedish technology designer Einride has created a new electric self-driving vehicle known as the T-pod, which can be operated remotely by drivers.

The company claims that its technologically advanced T-pod system has the potential to change the transportation industry.

T-pod will undergo prototype testing this year, with distribution on the global market planned for a later stage.

Einride has designed the T-pod with the aim of replacing noisy, pollution-heavy trucks with emission-free and low noise vehicles, while also enabling workers to operate on a standard schedule closer to home.

T-pods will initially operate between the cities of Gothenburg and Helsingborg in Sweden and the first active system is expected to transport nearly 2,000,000 pallets annually, which is equivalent to 400,000 passenger cars on the same route.

Einride COO Filip Lilja said: “Einride is transforming the existing transport chain from the ground up. The big companies behind long haul trucks keep building bigger trucks to increase efficiency, which ultimately means even more emissions.

“We are changing that by creating a secure solution that is not only cost effective but dramatically minimises the negative environmental impact of the transportation industry.”

The autonomous electric vehicle has been designed to improve road safety and offer cost-efficient transports for its users, in addition to being environment-friendly. 

Einride CEO Robert Falck said: “Our vision is to enhance the lives of all people through the delivery of a global, impact-positive supply chain infrastructure. We don’t believe our work is done when we’ve achieved carbon neutrality.

"Our design process is driven by our goal to have a net positive impact, whether that’s improving the lives of transport workers or reducing road traffic accidents."

“Our design process is driven by our goal to have a net positive impact, whether that’s improving the lives of transport workers or reducing road traffic accidents, every element of our system aims to have a measurable positive impact on the planet.”

T-pod is a 23ft-long vehicle equipped with a 200kWh energy battery that can travel a distance of 200km on one charge, and has a cargo capacity to carry 15 standard pallets.

The Swedish firm has set a goal to create an initial fleet of 200 T-pods by 2020.

Einride noted that it is also developing a remote driving system, charging stations and an advanced infrastructure.

Image: Electric self-driving vehicle T-pod can be remotely controlled by drivers. Photo: courtesy of Enride.