British based bus maker Alexander Dennis along with technology company, Fusion Processing have unveiled what they are calling the first Enviro100AEV autonomous electric bus at the University city of Cambridge in the UK.
The two companies are claiming the new vehicle combines the best of both worlds, boasting both a fully electric powertrain for zero-emission operation and an intelligent CAVstar automated drive system, which was developed and produced by Fusion Processing.
The CAVstar system is powered by AI, and provides the “brains” for the bus’ self-driving capabilities of the bus.
The Enviro100AEV notably features a meagre energy consumption rate of just 0.54 kWh/km. In the interest of providing context, this metric, represents energy consumption per kilometre travelled, and demonstrates the bus’ high efficiency.
Alexander Dennis points out it also supports up to 1.2 GWh of warrantable energy throughput, which it says indicates the robust design and longevity.
Following the announcement and unveiling, the autonomous bus is headed for the test track to further calibrate the CAVstar system, which ensures the bus can handle everything the road throws its way, while maintaining high safety and efficiency.
The company says that once the testing phase is complete, the bus will move to Cambridge, where safety drivers will receive training to supervise the operations. The plan is to launch public services later this year at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.
Cambridge is claimed to be the perfect place to test out this technology because the Cambridge Biomedical Campus is a world hub for biomedical research, patient care and education.
The companies say that the Enviro100AEV isn’t just about self-driving; but is also about sustainability.
As an electric bus, it produces zero emissions, which clearly helps to create a cleaner, greener city.
The companies say that they hope autonomous buses like this will not only improve the efficiency of public transport but also make it more environmentally friendly.
Although it is a long way away and is a small scale trial and development program, the Enviro100AEV project provides a glimpse into the future of urban transportation, showcasing how technology can improve efficiency, reduce emissions and potentially transform how we design and manage cities.
It is said that the involvement of NFI Group through Alexander Dennis, a company with a significant presence in the North American market, suggests that the lessons learned and technologies developed in Cambridge could eventually find their way to cities across the United States and to the parts of the globe .
This development is part of something called the Connector project, an initiative backed by Innovate UK and spearheaded by the Greater Cambridge Partnership.
It’s apparently a team effort, with Fusion Processing, Alexander Dennis, IPG Automotive, dRisk and Gamma Energy all pitching in, while the U.K. government’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles is providing funding and guidance.
Jim Hutchinson, CEO of Fusion Processing, and claims this excited that this is a landmark achievement for Fusion Processing and for the CAVstar 
system.
“We are proud to play a pivotal role in revolutionising public transport with autonomous technology,” Hutchinson said.
Jamie Wilson, head of concepts and advanced engineering at Alexander Dennis, said the completion of the first Enviro100AEV is a great milestone for the Connector project as it now enters a phase of vehicle testing to ready the technology for public services.
Chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s executive board, Councillor Elisa Meschini, said the Connector project positions Cambridge at the forefront of innovation by trialing autonomous vehicles on roads.
‘This initiative not only paves the way for more sustainable and efficient travel but also highlights the power of collaboration in shaping the future of public transport,” said Meschini.
The unveiling of the autonomous electric bus in Cambridge is claimed to mark a significant step toward the future of public transportation.
The project highlights the power of collaboration and innovation in creating sustainable and efficient mobility solutions. As the bus undergoes testing and prepares for public service, it paves the way for a potentially transformative shift in how we get around our cities.
