North American electric commercial vehicle company Vicinity Motor Corp has announced a new partnership with automated driving software platform provider Adastec. The two companies will collaborate to create an SAE Level 4 automated Vicinity Lightning electric transit bus for the US market.
The partnership brings together Vicinity’s expertise in medium-duty, accessible, fully electrified low-floor transit vehicles with Adastec’s automated driving software platform, Flowride.ai.
“At Adastec, our collaboration with Vicinity Motor Corporation marks a transformative moment in transportation,” said Cemre Kavvasoğlu, Adastec’s product management director, North America. “Together, we are introducing the Vicinity Automated Lightning EV, a medium-duty, fully electrified, low-floor automated transit bus that prioritizes accessibility, sustainability and innovation. Our commitment to safety and accessibility is evident in our projects. Adastec and Vicinity are driving innovation in the mobility sector, and we are eager to make a positive impact on communities and passengers alike.”
Adastec CEO Ali Peker said the company continues to be dedicated to solving modern city problems using automated public transportation solutions. He said that Adastec decided to partner with OEMs rather than create its own vehicle as a quicker way to achieve scalability.
William Trainer, founder and CEO of Vicinity, said, “Over the last year, we have worked closely with Adastec, recognizing our leading position in the industry, to formalize our partnership agreement while jointly pursuing opportunities to deploy automated solutions. Taking this time to get it right has resulted in a more targeted and efficient partnership. Adastec’s extensive experience in SAE Level 4 automated driving software platforms complements our expertise, setting the stage for pioneering advancements in the field in the quarters and years to come.”
The two companies say they are committed to driving innovation, accessibility and sustainability, with a vision to create advanced and environmentally friendly transit solutions that integrate seamlessly into the fabric of smart cities.
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