IVECO has announced a new autonomous driving programme with long-standing technology partner PlusAI, marking a major step towards commercial deployment of self-driving heavy-duty trucks in Europe.
The initiative will see the first deployment in Southern Europe of heavy-duty trucks equipped with Level 4 Autonomous Driving Systems (ADS). The programme is being developed in cooperation with Spanish logistics operator Sesé and the Government of Aragon, Spain.
IVECO, the Iveco Group N.V. (EXM: IVG) brand responsible for the design, manufacture and marketing of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, will work alongside PlusAI, a global leader in AI-based virtual driver software for autonomous trucks. Together, the partners aim to accelerate the safe and scalable introduction of autonomous freight transport on European roads.
Under the programme, IVECO and PlusAI will develop two IVECO S-Way heavy-duty trucks equipped with Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities, powered by the PlusAI SuperDrive™ virtual driver. The vehicles will undergo multi-year testing from 2026, with a safety operator on board throughout the entire trial period.
The autonomous trucks are intended to operate on live freight routes for Sesé, travelling between Madrid and Zaragoza, the capital of the Aragon region. The route forms part of a major logistics corridor, covering approximately 300 km (184 miles), and will provide real-world operational data on long-haul autonomous trucking in Southern Europe.
Marco Liccardo, Chief Technology & Digital Officer at Iveco Group, said: “Vehicle automation is a key pillar of Iveco Group’s technology strategy. We are thrilled to reinforce our strong partnership with PlusAI to further innovate our ADAS and ADS technologies on board IVECO trucks. This project will take us forward on our journey to offer customers the highest quality technology for increasingly sustainable transport.”
PlusAI views the project as a critical milestone in the wider adoption of autonomous freight transport across Europe, building on earlier testing programmes in other regions.
Shawn Kerrigan, COO and Co-Founder of PlusAI, commented: “Autonomous trucks are a transformative technology that could dramatically improve road safety and reshape commercial freight transportation around the world. We are proud to extend our partnership with IVECO to cover Level 4 autonomous trucking operations in Germany and Spain. Together with Sesé, we’re demonstrating how autonomous driving technology can improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of trucking, and strengthen the competitiveness of Europe’s supply chains.”
Iveco Group has been investing in autonomous and connected vehicle technologies for several years, carrying out joint testing and pilot projects with PlusAI across advanced Level 2+ and Level 4 programmes. These initiatives form part of the group’s wider strategy to deliver transport solutions that are safer, cleaner, smarter and more efficient for fleet operators.
The announcement also comes as PlusAI enters its next phase of growth. The company is preparing to become publicly traded following its previously announced business combination with Churchill Capital Corp IX (Nasdaq: CCIX), positioning it to scale its autonomous driving technology globally.
With regulatory support, industry collaboration and real-world testing at the heart of the programme, the IVECO and PlusAI partnership represents a significant step towards the future of autonomous heavy-duty transport in Europe.
What are the 6 levels of autonomous vehicles?
Level 0 – No Automation
At this level, the human driver performs all driving tasks at all times. The vehicle may provide warnings or momentary assistance, such as emergency braking alerts or lane departure warnings, but these systems do not control the vehicle.
Level 1 – Driver Assistance
The vehicle can assist with either steering or acceleration and braking, but not both at the same time. The driver remains fully responsible and must monitor the driving environment at all times.
Level 2 – Partial Automation
The vehicle can control both steering and acceleration/braking simultaneously under certain conditions. However, the driver must remain attentive, keep their hands available, and be ready to take over at any moment.
Level 3 – Conditional Automation
The vehicle can handle all driving tasks within specific conditions (such as on motorways or in slow-moving traffic). The driver does not need to continuously monitor the road but must be ready to take control when the vehicle requests it.
Level 4 – High Automation
The vehicle can operate without human intervention within defined environments or conditions (known as an Operational Design Domain, or ODD). If conditions are exceeded, the vehicle can bring itself to a safe stop without driver input.
Key point: A human driver is not required within the ODD.
Level 5 – Full Automation
The vehicle can drive itself in all conditions and environments that a human driver could manage. No steering wheel, pedals, or human oversight are required.
