Renault Group partners with WeRide to drive widespread adoption of L4 autonomous vehicles. WeRide, a specialist in autonomous driving technology, is set to showcase an autonomous bus in a live demonstration starting May 26.

Renault, WeRide Autonomous Minibuses

As per Briefly, Renault intends to focus on developing self-driving minibuses for public transportation while maintaining driving assistance features for personal vehicles at present. Plans include exhibiting the technology's preparedness for public transportation through a shuttle bus service in collaboration with WeRide at the Roland-Garros tennis tournament in Paris later this month.

The report indicated Renault Group's commitment to becoming a significant player in sustainable and autonomous mobility within public transportation. Renault is actively creating an electric, robotized minibus platform designed to integrate automation solutions from its partner companies.

A recent partnership with WeRide aims to deploy vehicles capable of autonomous operation within specific zones, showcasing this technology at the upcoming Roland Garros tennis tournament.

The minibuses will transport visitors between a parking area and the stadium complex. Renault Group plans to offer a comprehensive range of autonomous, eco-friendly minibuses by the end of this decade to meet the increasing demands of transportation authorities in low emissions zones, as stated by Chief Technology Officer Gilles Le Borgne.

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Future with Minibuses

As per ET Auto, Renault Group recognizes the importance of introducing autonomous vehicles, with an anticipated yearly demand for numerous minibuses in the coming years. Acknowledging the advantages of autonomous public transport, Renault Group has been engaging in trials for a while to determine the optimal solution for meeting the requirements of local authorities.

One of these initiatives is the "Mach 2 project" unveiled in 2023, where starting from 2026, a fleet of automated electric minibuses will be incorporated into the public transport system of Chateauroux Metropole in France.

As reported by Global Data, Renault Group stated that the Level 4 Autonomous Vehicle (AV) represents a proposition for public transit. The company emphasized that more adaptable autonomous minibuses could function safely around the clock, offering a zero-emission option that is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

This is when compared to traditional modes of transportation like trains, trams, and buses based on costs and CO2 emissions per kilometer per passenger. Renault also mentioned that the additional expenses associated with robotization and automation could be balanced by eliminating onboard operators.

Additionally, Renault highlighted the necessity of a straightforward remote monitoring system to operate a fleet of vehicles. In its strategy for driver assistance and autonomous technologies, Renault made a clear differentiation between applications for individual vehicles and public transport.

Regarding individual vehicles, Renault outlined its intention to offer assistance rather than full autonomy, focusing on providing top-tier ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) for heightened safety and comfort.

In contrast, concerning public transportation, Renault asserts that autonomy is both pertinent and essential to adequately address the increasing demand for environmentally friendly mobility solutions in various regions.

Renault further mentioned that the trials will result in Renault Group introducing a robotized electric minibus platform built upon the New Renault Master. This platform will have the capability to incorporate automation solutions from expert partners like EasyMile, Milla, and WeRide.

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