PlusAI and Iveco to trial Level 4 autonomous trucks on Spanish freight routes
The partners will begin multi-year testing of self-driving heavy-duty trucks in Southern Europe from 2026, marking a significant step towards commercial autonomous freight.
PlusAI and Iveco Group have announced plans to deploy Level 4 autonomous heavy-duty trucks in Southern Europe, with on-road testing scheduled to begin in 2026.
The programme will be carried out in collaboration with Spanish logistics operator Sesé and the Government of Aragon. The announcement follows an expanded partnership between PlusAI and Iveco Group, building on several years of joint development work in automated driving systems.
Autonomous driving on a key freight corridor
According to the companies, the trial will use two IVECO S-Way vehicles equipped with PlusAI’s SuperDrive virtual driver. The system is designed to enable Level 4 autonomous operation, meaning the vehicle can perform the full driving task within defined conditions without human intervention.
Testing will take place on freight routes between Madrid and Zaragoza, a corridor of approximately 300 kilometres or 184 miles. The programme is expected to run over multiple years and will include a safety operator on board for the entire duration of the trial.
The partners said the route was selected to reflect real-world long-haul freight operations, providing a mix of highway driving, traffic density and operating conditions representative of commercial logistics in Southern Europe.
Safety, efficiency and sustainability focus
PlusAI said autonomous trucking has the potential to significantly improve road safety and efficiency in freight transport. Shawn Kerrigan, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of PlusAI, said autonomous trucks could “dramatically improve road safety and reshape commercial freight transportation worldwide”.
From Iveco Group’s perspective, the project aligns with its broader technology roadmap. Marco Liccardo, Chief Technology and Digital Officer at Iveco Group, said vehicle automation is a core pillar of the company’s strategy. He added that the strengthened partnership with PlusAI would help advance both advanced driver assistance systems and autonomous driving systems on Iveco trucks, supporting the transition towards more sustainable transport.
Built on earlier automation programmes
The companies said the Spanish initiative builds on years of joint research and previous automation programmes, including Level 2+ and Level 4 projects conducted together. Those earlier efforts have focused on validating automated driving technologies, system integration and safety performance under controlled conditions.
The new programme marks a shift towards longer-duration, real-world freight testing in Europe, a region where regulatory frameworks and infrastructure are evolving to accommodate higher levels of vehicle automation
Corporate backdrop and next steps
The announcement comes as PlusAI progresses plans for a public listing through a business combination with Churchill Capital Corp IX, which trades on Nasdaq under the ticker CCIX.
While the current trial will operate with safety drivers and within defined operational domains, the partners said the data gathered will inform future deployments and potential commercialisation of autonomous trucking solutions in Europe.
For policymakers and logistics operators, the programme will also provide insight into how autonomous heavy-duty vehicles can be integrated safely into existing freight networks, as the sector grapples with driver shortages, cost pressures and decarbonisation targets.
The Recap
- PlusAI and IVECO launch Level 4 trucking programme in Southern Europe.
- Two IVECO S‑Way trucks fitted with PlusAI SuperDrive virtual driver.
- Multi‑year testing starts in 2026 on Madrid–Zaragoza freight corridor.
