Kodiak AI (KDK) Evercore's 9th Annual ADAS, AV & AI Forum summary

Strategic focus and business model

• Emphasizes a Driver-as-a-Service (DaaS) model, with customers owning and operating trucks while receiving support and technology integration.

• Targets three main verticals: long-haul trucking, industrial/off-road, and defense, leveraging a modular AI system across all.

• Achieved rapid deployment and scaling, growing from 2 to 35 driverless trucks in industrial applications within 22 months.

• Partners with Roush for upfitting and Daimler for new truck platforms, demonstrating hardware modularity and readiness for broader deployment.

• Pursues an asset-light approach, charging fixed monthly fees in industrial settings and targeting $0.85 per mile in highway operations.

Technology and operational milestones

• Deployed over 35 fully driverless trucks operating 24/7 for industrial customers, with expansion into highway driverless operations.

• Announced IKEA as the driverless launch partner, with over 750,000 miles and 1,300 loads delivered together.

• Achieved 93% completion on the Autonomy Readiness Measure, aiming for 100% and full driverless commercial runs by year-end.

• Introduced the 7th generation hardware and software package, improving reliability, efficiency, and adaptability to harsh environments.

• Operates a network of over 26,000 miles, with daily freight runs on major Southern U.S. lanes and ongoing expansion.

Safety, validation, and regulatory environment

• Safety validation includes on-road, simulation, and closed-course testing, with a focus on functional safety and backup systems.

• No regulatory barriers to deployment; favorable state-level environment, especially in Texas, and ongoing federal discussions.

• Insurance rates for driverless operations are on par with human drivers, with expectations for further reductions as data accumulates.

• No at-fault accidents recorded in eight years of operation, supporting strong safety claims.

• Regular public updates on safety progress and readiness for commercial launch.