Nikola will start providing a complicated driver-assist system on its electrical heavy vans beginning late subsequent yr, the corporate stated Wednesday.

The system, made by Plus and referred to as PlusDrive, is much like the hands-free freeway driving methods provided by automakers together with Tesla, Basic Motors and Ford Motor – whereas a human driver have to be current and attentive, the system can deal with most freeway driving duties by itself, along with helping the human driver in non-highway conditions together with backing as much as loading docks.  

Nikola CEO Michael Lohscheller stated in a launch that the electrical steering and braking methods already used within the firm’s vans will simplify the mixing of Plus’ system, which incorporates radar, cameras and lidar sensors to detect obstacles across the truck.

Plus already supplies the PlusDrive system to Italian heavy-truck maker Iveco, a longtime Nikola accomplice. Iveco started testing its personal PlusDrive-enabled vans earlier this month.

Nikola stated that a number of of its fleet clients, together with PGT Trucking and Christenson Transportation, have agreed to check prototype PlusDrive-enabled Nikola semitrucks. The corporate expects to start providing PlusDrive on its common manufacturing battery-electric and gas cell vans by the tip of 2024.

Nikola is scheduled to report its fourth-quarter and full-year outcomes earlier than the U.S. markets open on Thursday.