NECKARSULM, GERMANY - In the constant progress of technology, sometimes new innovations can get lost within the bustling news. But, Lidl is making sure that its newest partnership with Stockholm-based start-up Einride makes waves and drives business practices into an easier way of operating.

Ladies and gents, allow us to introduce you to the T-Pod. Lidl’s new ride is a driverless and emission-free cargo truck. Following the launch of the T-Pod last summer, Lidl announced plans to pilot the new remotely controlled delivery system starting next autumn.

”The supermarket industry is very transport intensive and will continue to produce high emissions as long as it is dependent on fossil fuel technology. During the 2016/2017 fiscal year, Lidl completely switched to alternative fuels such as electricity, natural gas, biodiesel, or eco-labeled diesel, which reduced the environmental impact of transport by 25 percent. By switching to electric trucks, transport emissions can decrease by up to 100 percent. Einride’s self-driving T-pod is a big step forward in Lidl’s battle for fossil free transport,” said Johannes Fieber, CEO of Lidl Sweden, in an article published by Innovators Magazine.

According to Drive Sweden, the 2018 launch will begin in Halmstad, Sweden, and will showcase the driverless delivery truck’s capability to drive 4 kilometers with 15 loaded palettes at a time. The route will drop off the items at the Lidl supermarket located in the Andersberg district from Lidl’s central warehouse.

The journey doesn’t end there, though. The company is testing the waters before it begins trying to apply the same level of sophisticated, technological advances to other stores. With plans to turn in the application in November for the permittance of the driverless vehicles, the road ahead is looking smooth and steady for these companies.

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Lidl Einride