Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., one of the world’s leading independent global bus manufacturers, today announced that it has joined the consortium delivering the Connector project in Cambridge, for which it will build three Enviro100AEV autonomous buses.
Backed by Innovate UK, the Connector project consortium is led by the Greater Cambridge Partnership and already included bus operator Stagecoach, IPG Automotive, dRISK and Gamma Energy. It is part funded and supported by the UK Government’s Centre for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles.
Alexander Dennis and its technology partner Fusion Processing Ltd, a leading provider of automated drive systems, have both joined Connector to provide three Enviro100AEV electric autonomous buses as part of a four-vehicle fleet delivering services in Cambridge.
The Alexander Dennis Enviro100AEV is a version of the next-generation Enviro100EV that has been fitted with autonomous vehicle technology.
Alexander Dennis, Fusion Processing Ltd and Stagecoach continue to demonstrate their joint expertise with the world’s most advanced and complex SAE Level 4 autonomous bus service in the CAVForth project in Scotland. The Connector project will build on this and previous experience to adapt the vehicle and its technology for services at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the largest centre of medical research and health science in Europe.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to further the development of this technology”
Chris Gall, Group Engineering Director for Alexander Dennis, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to join the Project Connector consortium with our Enviro100AEV autonomous electric bus. This is a fantastic opportunity to further the development of this technology with our partners as we continue to explore use cases where autonomous buses can improve operational efficiency and add flexibility to transport networks.”
The Enviro100AEV buses for Project Connector will be built later in 2024 and are expected to enter service in 2025 following a period of testing and training for the autonomous bus professionals who will act as safety drivers to provide on-board supervision.
Jim Hutchinson, CEO of Fusion Processing Ltd, said: “Our CAVStar® Automated Drive System will provide the sensors, control modules and software that will allow the project vehicles to drive autonomously on the Cambridge routes, showcasing a safe and efficient new type of public transport system.”
Cllr Elisa Meschini, Chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Executive Board, said: “For Cambridge to thrive now and in the future, the area needs the infrastructure and mass public transport systems to cope with the demand – autonomous vehicles are one part of this solution. It will be really exciting to see what was once considered to be fanciful science fiction to be out on our roads giving people choice in how they travel so I look forward to seeing how the pilots go.”
Andy Williams, Chair of the GCP Smart Working Group, said: “It’s great to welcome Alexander Dennis and Fusion Processing Ltd to the Connector project. Their expertise and experience will play a crucial role in bringing innovative self-driving bus services to Greater Cambridge as part of this project. We’re committed to delivering safe, efficient, and important public transport solutions for people who live, work, or visit Cambridge. The inclusion of these two new partners, to an already strong consortium, allows us to move forward with confidence and deliver real benefits to our community.”
The image shows an Alexander Dennis Enviro100EV without autonomous vehicle technology.
Forward-looking statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to expected future events and financial and operating results of Alexander Dennis and NFI Group that involve risks and uncertainties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, investors cannot be assured that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and the differences may be material. Actual results may differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons, including Alexander Dennis’ reliance on third parties to provide technology solutions to effectively and efficiently operate and drive Alexander Dennis’ autonomous vehicles; unexpected loss of performance or operability when these technology solutions are integrated into Alexander Dennis’ vehicles; there is no production version of the prototype automated bus described in this release and the prototype must be tested, marketed and sold to customers; market demand or acceptance of Alexander Dennis’ autonomous bus or its supplier’s autonomous technology solutions may not exist; the economic conditions and funding availability for customers to purchase this type of automated bus may not exist, now or in the future; developments and changes in industry standards and regulations relating to autonomous vehicles on public roadways; risks related to reliance on third-party manufacturers of Alexander Dennis’ products; and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in the materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.
Due to the potential impact of these factors, the NFI Group disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law.