ÖBB Postbus has partnered with Otokar to introduce an electrically powered, fully autonomous, SAE Level 4 bus into Austria for pilot operation.
Presented during a press conference in Vienna; the autonomous e-Centro is scheduled to enter operation at the European Forum Alpbach 2026, which will take place in Austria between 24 August and 4 September.
During the pilot’s initial phase, a driver will still be required to sit inside the vehicle in order to ensure passenger safety. Once this trial has concluded, the e-Centro is planned to be deployed into regular operation across the Wolfurt Campus.
Peter Hanke, Federal Minister of Austria, said:Autonomous mobility is an important element of a more modern, safer and more efficient mobility system and at the same time a great opportunity for Austria as a business and innovation location.
I see particularly great potential in public transport. Autonomous buses can complement and expand existing services, for example on the first and last mile, in rural regions or at times when conventional scheduled services are difficult to operate.
Austria should not merely observe this development, but actively help shape it, keep value creation in the country and make Austrian know-how visible internationally.
ÖBB has stated that, with this project, it is seeking to establish a basis for the gradual testing of autonomous mobility solutions and, in the longer term, deployment of vehicles in further regions, as well as additional fields of application.
Otokar’s fully electric Autonomous e-Centro features SAE Level 4 technology, which means that, within a clearly defined operational area, the bus is capable of taking over the driving task autonomously. However, under Austrian law, a trained safety driver is still required to be onboard.
The autonomous vehicle can carry up to 32 passengers, and features barrier-free low-floor access with a wheelchair ramp.
