Why AV companies are choosing Texas

Driving the news: Stockholm-based Einride received regulatory approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in March to operate its self-driving freight trucks in Texas.

• The company plans to test its vehicles along SH 130 toll road between Georgetown and Seguin, part of a partnership with SH 130 Concession Co.
• Texas is the fifth state where Einride has received a permit to operate.

The big picture: Trucking is the backbone of the American economy, yet the industry is strained by high driver turnover rates, supply chain inefficiencies and rising costs.

• Autonomous trucks can help alleviate these challenges, advocates say, but critics worry about inadequate safety oversight, cybersecurity threats and job reductions.

What they're saying: In an interview with Axios, Charli said the company has found that state officials and regulators "want to attract companies like us," and the state's regulatory landscape allows for "an exchange" between companies and regulators to find mutual ground.

• "It's been proven out over the past few years — from a regulatory perspective — Texas is one of the states that is leaning inwards into being in the forefront of regulation," Charli says.

Zoom out: Einride will join a handful autonomous truck developers already testing their rigs with real customers in Texas.

• Aurora Innovation became the first autonomous trucking company to operate without a safety driver behind the wheel.
• Eiride will not have safety drivers behind the wheel, according to Charli, because the company's trucks use remote monitoring and advanced sensors.

What's next: The company plans to begin testing on SH 130 by the end of the year, and sees the area as a "test bed" as it expands into highway and high-speed freight applications.