Clevon

Clevon (formerly Cleveron Mobility), formed in 2022 through a spin-off from Cleveron (a provider of automated parcel lockers and click-and-collect solutions), is an Estonian company that develops ADVs for last-mile delivery, dubbed “Clevon1.” Its technology suite comes equipped with cameras, radar sensors, GNSS (global navigation satellite system), and RTK (real-time kinematic positioning) technologies for navigation. The vehicles are managed by a teleoperator who can take control when needed. Clevon1 can operate in all weather conditions, traveling at a maximum speed of 18 mph, covering a range of 45 miles in one charge.

The company also develops two-compartment models for its ADVs.

1. MultiBox: Designed for multi-customer deliveries, suitable for both B2B and B2C. Features user-friendly, secure, and illuminated compartments that provide all-weather protection and customizable branding. It can carry a payload of up to 165 lbs. Target use cases include delivery of packages, groceries, food, mail, etc.

2. CargoBox: Offers a spacious cargo bay for a variety of goods, equipped with smart design features for secure and efficient deliveries. It is adaptable for different delivery needs, with a payload of up to 220 lbs. Target use cases include delivery of packages, home appliances, laundry, catering, etc.

The company obtained a license to operate its ADVs on public roads in Europe in April 2021, claiming to be the first company to do so. As of February 2024, the company had conducted deliveries in countries such as Estonia, the Netherlands, Lithuania, Belgium, and the US (Texas and Georgia). The company launched its first commercial delivery service in the US (in Northlake, Texas) in July 2023.

Key customers and partnerships

Clevon’s development partners include DPD, DHL Express Estonia (for pilots in Estonia and the Netherlands) IKI grocery stores (for a pilot in Lithuania), Colruyt Group (for a pilot in Belgium), and PostNet Northlake (for commercial deliveries in Northlake, Texas). It also joined 1) Peachtree Corners' Curiosity Lab ecosystem, a smart city in Georgia, to deploy its ADVs in the city (August 2023); and 2) a consortium of organizations including the City of Arlington, Tarrant Area Food Bank, and the University of Texas at Arlington to test autonomous deliveries in Arlington, Texas (December 2023).

Clevon has been developed through collaborations with several tech partners including Nvidia, Toshiba, TI, Willwood, Hydrastar, Onsemi, ZF, and T-Mobile.

Funding and financials

Clevon reported revenue of EUR 92,420 (USD 97,400) for the nine-months ending December 2022. The operating loss for the period stood at EUR 3.3 million (USD 3.5 million).

As of February 2024, the company was seeking to raise USD 20 million for further R&D and business development initiatives. Clevon also laid off around 20% of its workforce (about 38 employees) in October 2023, due to the closure of unprofitable business lines.