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Will autonomous trucks replace drivers by 2027?

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Will autonomous trucks replace drivers by 2027?
PlusAI driverless big rig on a closed test track (Courtesy: PlusAI)

New performance metrics reveal how close PlusAI is to putting autonomous freight trucks on the road by 2027

Driverless freight is no longer just a concept. It’s edging closer to the highway. PlusAI released its first-half 2025 results, showing steady progress toward its plan to roll out factory-built autonomous trucks in 2027.

The company reported key performance gains: Safety Case Readiness hit 86% (on track for 100% by launch), Autonomous Miles Percentage climbed to 98% and Remote Assistance-Free Trips reached 76%, with a goal of over 90%.

For carriers and shippers, those numbers matter. They show how close the industry is to trucks that can run freight lanes safely and efficiently without a driver in the cab, potentially reshaping operations, costs and capacity within the next two years.

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Autonomous Trucks 2 web

(Courtesy: PlusAI)

Why PlusAI’s 2025 results matter for autonomous trucks

Even if you never step into a truck, these results affect your daily life. Every product you buy travels by truck at some point, whether it is groceries, clothing, or furniture. The way those trucks operate influences cost, availability and safety on the road.

The trucking industry faces three major challenges. There are not enough long-haul drivers to meet demand. Costs continue to rise due to labor shortages, tariffs and fuel prices. Safety is a concern because human drivers can get tired or distracted.

Autonomous trucks could help address all of these issues. PlusAI’s vehicles are already hauling freight on Texas highways today, and they are also undergoing road testing in Sweden. The company has already logged more than five million autonomous miles across the United States, Europe and Asia. That real-world experience fuels the AI system with the data it needs to improve.

How PlusAI plans to launch autonomous trucks by 2027

PlusAI has created a roadmap that sets it apart. Instead of retrofitting trucks with autonomous systems, it is working with major manufacturers like TRATON GROUP, Hyundai and IVECO to integrate the technology at the factory. This approach makes scaling production faster and ensures consistency.

The initial launch is planned for the Texas Triangle, a major freight corridor connecting Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin. From there, PlusAI plans to expand into other U.S. routes and eventually Europe.

The company has also committed to publishing regular performance updates as it transitions to a public company. By sharing measurable results, PlusAI builds trust with regulators, the public, and the businesses that may one day rely on its trucks to move goods.

“We have a clear roadmap to the commercial launch of SuperDrive,” said David Liu, CEO and co-founder of PlusAI. “By publicly sharing these performance metrics, we are showing our commitment to safety and scalability while bringing partners, customers and regulators along on this journey.”

Autonomous Trucks 3 web

(Courtesy: PlusAI)

What’s next for PlusAI and driverless freight trucks

PlusAI still has milestones to meet. Safety readiness must rise from 86 percent to 100 percent. Remote Assistance Free Trips must surpass 90 percent. These are ambitious goals, but the progress so far suggests the company can achieve them.

Fleet trials are scheduled to begin later this year, and PlusAI continues testing in both the United States and internationally. Each step adds to the case that driverless trucks will be ready for commercial launch in 2027.

Autonomous Trucks 4 web

(Courtesy: PlusAI)

What this means for you

As a shopper, autonomous trucks could mean faster and more affordable deliveries. As a driver, you may soon share highways with self-driving freight haulers. As a business owner, this technology could reduce logistics costs and ease the impact of driver shortages.

The bigger picture is that autonomous trucks are moving from testing to real use. They are no longer limited to pilot projects. You may see them alongside you on the road sooner than expected.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Freight hauling is on the verge of significant change. While ride-sharing apps disrupted city travel, the bigger shift for trucking is the rapid march toward autonomous freight. What once sounded like a far-off idea is now only a few years away. PlusAI’s latest progress report highlights how close the industry is getting. If the company stays on pace, driverless trucks could be running freight lanes and becoming part of everyday operations before the decade is out.

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Kurt Knutsson — best known as “Kurt the CyberGuy” — has a deep love of technology that makes life better. Because of this, along with a passion for helping others, he created the largest syndicated tech lifestyle franchise on television. As a trusted source, Kurt’s unique insider access to major tech launches and industry visionaries has helped earn him two Emmy Awards and a Golden Mic.
Kurt lives between his home in California and New York City, where he is also the chief tech contributor on Fox News & Fox Business networks beginning his mornings on Fox & Friends.
Kurt’s a curious guy. Like many entrepreneurs in life, he wears several hats like running a private investment fund, giving inspirational talks, mentoring start-ups and traveling the world chasing down the next breakthrough.

Avatar for Kurt the CyberGuy
Kurt Knutsson — best known as “Kurt the CyberGuy” — has a deep love of technology that makes life better. Because of this, along with a passion for helping others, he created the largest syndicated tech lifestyle franchise on television. As a trusted source, Kurt’s unique insider access to major tech launches and industry visionaries has helped earn him two Emmy Awards and a Golden Mic. Kurt lives between his home in California and New York City, where he is also the chief tech contributor on Fox News & Fox Business networks beginning his mornings on Fox & Friends. Kurt’s a curious guy. Like many entrepreneurs in life, he wears several hats like running a private investment fund, giving inspirational talks, mentoring start-ups and traveling the world chasing down the next breakthrough.
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3 Comments

Has it passed what was commonly known as the baby carriage test yet?
Let’s stop with the BS about the so- called ‘ Driver Shortage ‘ there is an increase in greed. When I see long haul rates pay the same as in the late 70’s and early 80’s and the cost of everything else is up. Why do you think no one seems to not want to drive anymore. Pay drivers a living wage. Not survival pay.

More affordable deliveries! The rates have been so low for so long… 4 carriers and myself have worked together for years, it’s just me now! They all went under! This will make it worse. I heard Elon say AI will take over all jobs at some point. Who will buy the products? When there is no work, there is no money… A race to the bottom!

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