First Autonomous Electric Bus Unveiled for Cambridge Connector

Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group, has unveiled the Enviro100AEV autonomous electric bus as part of the Cambridge Connector project, marking a key milestone in the UK’s adoption of autonomous public transport.

The project, funded by Innovate UK and supported by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), is led by the Greater Cambridge Partnership. It includes partners like Fusion Processing, IPG Automotive, dRISK, and Gamma Energy. The project aims to enhance Cambridge's transport system by integrating autonomous vehicles.

Cambridge Connector Project Overview

The Cambridge Connector initiative involves autonomous buses owned by Mistral Group, which will lease them to the Greater Cambridge Partnership. This innovative funding model ensures flexibility and sustainability as the city moves forward with cutting-edge transport technology.

Vehicle Unveiling and Testing

The first Enviro100AEV was unveiled at Alexander Dennis’s technology hub in Farnborough, with representatives from the project consortium present. Following the unveiling, the bus will undergo track-based testing to fine-tune the CAVStar® automated drive system developed by Fusion Processing. Once testing is completed, the bus will be delivered to Cambridge for further trials, including safety driver training. Public services are expected to begin later this year at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

Jamie Wilson, Head of Concepts & Advanced Engineering at Alexander Dennis, commented:

"The completion of the first Enviro100AEV is a great milestone for the Connector project as we now enter a phase of vehicle testing to ready the technology for public services."

Electric and Autonomous Technologies

The Enviro100AEV integrates both electric and autonomous technologies. This combination is designed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of public transport. The Cambridge trial will help assess how these autonomous electric buses can operate effectively in an urban environment, potentially serving as a model for other cities looking to modernize their public transport systems and reduce environmental impact.

Community Support and Future Impact

The Greater Cambridge Partnership strongly supports the project, viewing it as a chance for Cambridge to lead in innovation. Cllr Elisa Meschini, Chair of the Partnership’s Executive Board, remarked:

"Connector will see autonomous vehicles being trialled on our city’s roads to investigate their potential to transform the way people travel. This is a significant opportunity for Cambridge to lead the way in innovation."

The project represents a major step towards the future of sustainable and efficient urban transport.