Volvo unveiled Vera in September last year at the IAA event in Germany (see link below). The futuristic tractor-like electric vehicle is designed for repetitive assignments in applications such as logistics centres or factories, transporting large volumes of goods over short distances.
The aim is to implement a connected system of several Vera vehicles monitored by a control room. The collaboration with DFDS, says Volvo, is a first step towards implementing Vera in a real transport assignment on pre-defined public roads in an industrial area.
“Autonomous transport, with low noise levels and zero exhaust emissions, has an important role to play in the future of logistics and will benefit both business and society. We see this collaboration as an important start and want to drive progress in this area,” says Mikael Karlsson, VP for autonomous solutions at Volvo Trucks.
“Vera may have a speed limit, but we don’t. Testing has already started and we intend to implement the solution within the coming years,” he adds.
Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS, says: “We want to be at the forefront of connected, autonomous transportation. This collaboration will help us develop an efficient, flexible and sustainable long-term solution for receiving autonomous vehicles arriving at our gates, benefiting our customers, the environment and our business.”
