Schaeffler and VDL Groep are jointly exploring the development and production of a new generation of autonomous electric buses for public transport.
The Germany-based Schaeffler Group offers components and system solutions for both vehicles, including drivetrains based on internal combustion engines and hybrid and electric vehicles. While VDL Groep, based in the Netherlands, specializes in the development, production and sale of semi-finished products, buses and coaches and other finished products.
The two companies presented a first demonstrator as well as all relevant automotive electrification and steering technology at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Germany.
Schaeffler and VDL Groep are collaborating with Israel-based Mobileye to provide shuttle vehicles with autonomous driving systems for SAE level 4.
The Mobileye driving platform designed for shuttle vehicles enables autonomous driving using a specially designed EyeQ processor, a redundant sensor system of lidar/radar surrounding cam Special Data eras, which will help monitor remotely all the time.
Schaeffler has introduced a rolling chassis that combines an all-electric propulsion system, a steer-by-wire system and a battery in a modular solution.
The new Level 4 autonomous Stuttle is 5 meters long, 2.2 meters wide and 2.8 meters high. It will have six fixed seats and three flexible seats. The autonomous shuttle will weigh approximately 5,000 kg and have a payload capacity of 1,000 kg.
The electric bus will have a maximum speed of 70 km/h and will be able to travel more than 100 km on a single charge, with a range of more than 350 km per day.
In addition, the shuttle service will have a large door and a low ramp to facilitate wheelchair entry.
Demand for autonomous transportation services is expected to take off in the coming years, especially in many major cities in Europe, North America and parts of Asia by the end of this century. The planned strategic cooperation between Schaeffler and VDL underlines the importance of being involved in these developments from an early stage. Together, both companies aim to accelerate the development of shuttle vehicles that can be manufactured on a commercial scale.
Willem van der Leegte, President and CEO of VDL Groep, says: “Autonomous ferries are going to play an important role in our future mobility needs. This vehicle concept fits perfectly into our broad mobility solution that encompasses design, electrification, connectivity, autonomy and services. Of course, this planned cooperation is also a fantastic opportunity to pioneer and innovate with our esteemed partners Schaeffler and Mobileye.”
Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG , says : “Autonomous shuttle vehicles will become integral elements of modern mobility ecosystems. They will get people safely, quickly and easily from A to B and increase mobility accessibility for everyone living in cities and rural areas. At Schaeffler we want to support this development in a sustainable way with the best system engineering and innovative automotive technology. This goal is best achieved with strong partners. “We are more than happy to partner with VDL Groep and Mobileye.”
Being the first country in Europe to approve SAE Level 4 for use on public roads, Germany plans to be the first country in which the newly developed and manufactured ferries will operate.
Thousands of vehicles are expected to be produced at VDL facilities in the Netherlands by 2030. According to the roadmap, testing of the vehicles on the streets will probably be possible from 2025.