Amazon partners with Einride to deploy electric heavy trucks

Amazon has partnered with Swedish freight startup Einride to deploy 75 electric heavy-duty trucks across its Relay freight network, marking a new step in the e-commerce giant’s efforts to decarbonise its logistics operations.

Under the agreement announced Tuesday, Einride will also install and manage charging infrastructure across five locations in the United States. However, Amazon is not purchasing or directly operating the vehicles. Instead, Einride will retain ownership and manage the fleet using its proprietary Saga AI software platform.

The trucks will be available to drivers operating within Amazon’s Relay network, a freight app launched in 2017 that allows them to book hauling jobs directly with Amazon.

Einride CEO Roozbeh Charli, who took over leadership of the company nearly a year ago, described the partnership as a strong validation of the startup’s technology and long-term strategy.

“By deploying our intelligent platform within one of the world’s most sophisticated logistics networks, we are accelerating growth, while continuing to build industry-leading operational expertise,” Charli said in a statement.

Einride has gained attention in the logistics and clean transport sectors through its dual approach to freight. The company operates a fleet of roughly 200 heavy-duty electric trucks serving clients such as Heineken, PepsiCo, and Carlsberg Sweden across Europe, North America, and the United Arab Emirates. It has also developed autonomous, cab-less “pod” vehicles designed for freight transport.

However, the Amazon agreement does not include its autonomous pod technology.

The timing of the deal is significant for Einride, as the company is currently finalising a merger with special-purpose acquisition company Legato Merger Corp. and preparing for a potential public listing.

For Amazon, which has a market capitalisation of about $2.7 trillion, the partnership is part of its broader sustainability strategy. The company has previously stated its goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2040.

“This rollout is an important step forward in addressing one of the toughest challenges we face in decarbonising our transportation network — electrifying heavy-duty trucking,” an Amazon spokesperson said. “We’re excited to continue to collaborate with Einride and learn from these operations as the trucks hit the road.”