Renault Group, in collaboration with its partner WeRide, is making significant strides in the field of autonomous public transportation. The automotive giant aims to revolutionise the way we think about mobility, particularly in urban and peri-urban environments. This initiative aligns with growing interest from local authorities and mobility operators eager to adopt sustainable and efficient transport solutions.
In May 2024, Renault Group launched its first open-road experiment in Europe, showcasing two autonomous electric miniBuses during the international Roland-Garros tennis tournament. This initiative successfully transported nearly 700 passengers over 1,000 kilometres, affirming the practicality and readiness of the technology. These miniBuses, powered by advanced battery technology capable of covering significant distances on a single charge, represent a leap towards more sustainable city planning and carbon reduction efforts.The positive response from this initial test has spurred further experiments across Europe, each tailored to the unique demands of their respective locales:
Barcelona, Spain (10-14 March): Renault and WeRide are testing two autonomous electric miniBuses on a 2.2-kilometre loop in central Barcelona. This test aims to address the challenges of dense urban environments and demonstrate the buses' ability to enhance city livability and accessibility.
Valence, France (10 March – 19 April): With a focus on peri-urban connectivity, this experiment involves a shuttle service linking the Valence TGV station to a local business park. The 3.3-kilometre route aims to serve the station, a long-term car park, and a catering hub, simplifying daily commutes for thousands of employees and visitors.
Zurich Airport, Switzerland: Since January 2025, autonomous shuttles have been facilitating employee travel between airport terminals. This setting tests the buses' capabilities in high-security areas and their potential to improve operational efficiency within constrained environments.
Renault Group is not merely focusing on current technologies but is also preparing for future advancements. By 2030, the company plans to introduce a roboticised electric miniBus platform that can integrate various automation solutions from specialised partners. This forward-looking approach ensures that Renault remains adaptable to evolving market conditions and regulatory landscapes. More of this article (WhichEV) - link - more like this (Harwell - doing it since 2021) - link - more like this (driverless) - link - more like this (Renault) - link
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