Autonomous vehicle software developer, Oxa, has partnered with eVersum, provider of commercial electric vehicles and passenger transport solutions, to design, develop and produce shared autonomous passenger vehicles.
The partnership, which was announced at this year’s Busworld 2023 Europe exhibition, will see the two companies develop vehicles for public transport operators in Europe and the US to help transform the transportation sector.
Under this partnership, eVersum will produce autonomous-ready electric base vehicles utilising Oxa’s Oxa Driver autonomy software.
The ‘eShuttles’ will be equipped to carry up to 20 seated passengers with a capacity for a maximum of 50 (as a mix of standing & seated).
To ensure safe and successful operation, the vehicles will feature a range of sensors, as well as computing technology that will be directly integrated into the vehicles during production.
Passenger comforts onboard the ‘eShuttles’ will include kneeling-stop capabilities to facilitate boarding, flexible seating arrangements and travel information displays.
Holger Postl, CEO of eVersum, said: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.
We're delighted to have found a partner who aligns with our visions and priorities that include the real-life deployment of AD-shuttles in public transport operations.
With this collaboration, Oxa and eVersum aim to provide a turnkey shuttle solution for shared autonomous transportation, whilst enabling transit companies to reduce costs, improve safety and extend service to hard-to-reach areas.
The ‘eShuttles’ are initially planned to be deployed within the UK, with an official announcement expected by the end of the year.
Gavin Jackson, CEO at Oxa, said:We are thrilled to be working with eVersum to deploy safe, secure and efficient autonomy where it is needed most.
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.
