Autonomous vehicle software developer Oxa and eVersum, a provider of electric commercial vehicles and passenger transportation solutions, have announced a partnership to develop and deploy shared autonomous passenger vehicles.
The partnership addresses a growing need for better, more flexible and low-carbon public transportation options, particularly as urban populations grow and road congestion intensifies.
Announced at the Busworld 2023 Europe exhibition in Brussels, Belgium, this collaboration will see eVersum produce autonomous-ready electric base vehicles featuring Oxa’s autonomy software, Oxa Driver, along with sensors and computing technology integrated directly on the production line.
The vehicles will initially be offered as autonomous city eShuttles to public transportation operators across Europe and the USA, with the aim of revolutionizing the transportation sector.
“We are thrilled to be working with eVersum to deploy safe, secure and efficient autonomy where it is needed most,” said Gavin Jackson, CEO at Oxa. “At Oxa, we believe next-generation shuttling can deliver vital benefits to cities and industries, and this partnership represents a momentous step forward for the future of self-driving technology. Together we will transform the autonomous vehicle market with cost-effective, low-carbon turnkey solutions.”
It is the high cost of maintaining multi-route transit services, combined with persistent driver shortages, that can lead to service cuts which affect communities and vulnerable groups, including the elderly and disabled, according to the company. By adopting autonomous eShuttles, transit operators should be able to sustain routes and timetables that are increasingly cost prohibitive, while addressing congestion and emissions reduction targets.
The eShuttles are low-noise, zero-emission electric vehicles designed for on-road and public transportation applications. They can carry up to 20 seated passengers and have capacity for a maximum of 50 people (with standing).
What’s more, the shuttles offer passenger comforts such as kneeling-stop capabilities and flexible seating, as well as latest-generation information system options to meet present needs of transit operators.
“As a leading specialist and OEM dedicated to electric commercial vehicles, eVersum has invested years in rigorous research and development, and welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with AD-pioneer Oxa as we jointly embark on this exciting journey into the future of mobility,” said Holger Postl, CEO of eVersum.