A pioneering consortium composed of Alstom, EasyMile, Equans, Keolis, Renault Group, and StatInf is gearing up for the introduction of an innovative, zero-emission public transport system based on Level 4 autonomous driving technology. The initiative aims to deploy a fleet of 6-meter driverless electric mini buses, revolutionizing the public transportation network in the city of Châteauroux’s Métropole by 2026.
The upcoming service will seamlessly integrate into the existing ‘Horizon’ bus network of the city, and will be operated by Keolis, a leading player in the mobility sector. The consortium brings together renowned French industry leaders, with each member contributing its unique expertise.
Renault Group, known for its cutting-edge electric minibus platform, will provide the foundation for the robotized vehicles. EasyMile, a frontrunner in autonomous driving systems, will contribute its state-of-the-art technology. StatInf will focus on validating critical software elements, while Equans will oversee the Computer Aided Dispatch and Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) system. Alstom, a prominent name in the industry, will develop the connected safety infrastructure and communication protocols. Finally, Keolis will be responsible for the smooth operation and maintenance of the groundbreaking public transport services.
Benoit Perrin, General Manager of EasyMile, highlights the significance of this project, emphasizing that it extends beyond technological triumph. He emphasizes that this initiative is a critical milestone in demonstrating the true value of a fully autonomous vehicle fleet within a city. By replacing on-board supervisors with remote monitoring of multiple vehicles, the positive economic impact of this service will be showcased. Autonomous technology enables more efficient, accessible, and cost-effective public transportation, benefitting communities at large. As the consortium coordinator, Perrin expresses pride in uniting the most influential players in the French mobility ecosystem, stating that this project marks a substantial leap forward in terms of performance.
Jean-François Salessy, Director of Advanced Engineering at Renault Group, echoes this sentiment, underlining that Renault Group is redefining mobility. Identifying opportunities for automated transport services without on-board supervisors in controlled operational areas that align with the expectations of local authorities and public transport needs, Renault Group has committed to the Mach2 R&D project. This venture aims to develop and supply a platform of robotized electric mini buses equipped with autonomous driving solutions, catering to individuals with disabilities, and leveraging Renault’s experience in electric vehicles and vehicle customization. The goal is to enable the deployment of autonomous, zero-emission public transport services.
EasyMile’s autonomous technology has been successfully tested in over 400 locations across more than 30 countries, solidifying their position as a global leader in the field.