Imagine stepping onto a bus that drives itself, navigating the bustling streets of Barcelona with precision and ease. That’s exactly what’s happening right now, thanks to a groundbreaking initiative by Renault Group and WeRide. They’ve brought a driverless mini-bus to life, and it’s currently making its rounds on a 2.2-kilometer loop in the city center, offering free rides to curious commuters.
This is no ordinary bus. It’s packed with cutting-edge technology, boasting 10 cameras and eight lidars, allowing it to cruise through the city without a driver. This effort is part of Renault’s mission to elevate Europe’s standing in the global race for autonomous vehicle technology. While the US and China have been leading the charge, Europe is now stepping up its game.
Patrick Vergelas, who heads Renault’s autonomous mobility projects, put it simply: “The US is doing a lot of experimentation with autonomous vehicles, the same thing in China. Until now we don’t have a lot in fact in Europe. And this is why we want to show that this works and prepare Europe to this route in public transportation.”
The electric mini-bus is quite efficient, too. It can travel up to 120 kilometers on a single charge and hit speeds of 40 kilometers per hour. So far, the trial has been a success, with no accidents reported, according to city officials. This trial is part of a broader initiative, with similar projects also underway in Valence, France, and at Zurich airport.
As cities around the world explore the potential of autonomous public transport, Barcelona’s trial is providing valuable insights into what commuting might look like in the future. Pau Cugat, an 18-year-old student who took a ride, shared his thoughts: “We just passed by a regular, combustion-engine city bus, and I thought, ‘Look, there is a bus of the past, and right behind it you have the bus of the future.’”
Reactions from passengers have varied, ranging from smiles and photos to attempts to open the doors mid-ride. Despite these varied responses, Carlos Santos from Renault’s autonomous driving group emphasized the safety of the experience. As Europe aims to close the gap in autonomous vehicle technology, this trial represents a promising step forward.
For those of us watching the evolution of transportation, Barcelona is providing a fascinating peek into what might soon become the norm. It’s an exciting time, and this trial is just the beginning.
