SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 19, 2025 – Fusion Processing has unveiled the first full-size autonomous electric bus, a significant leap forward in the evolution of public transportation. This groundbreaking vehicle, an Alexander Dennis Enviro100AEV, is powered by Fusion’s CAVstar automated drive system, marking a pivotal moment for the Innovate UK-backed Connector project.
A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Mobility
The Connector project, spearheaded by the Greater Cambridge Partnership, unites key players in the autonomous vehicle space. Fusion Processing, Alexander Dennis, IPG Automotive, dRisk, and Gamma Energy form a powerful consortium, receiving crucial funding and guidance from the UK government’s Centre for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV). This collaborative approach underscores the commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions for sustainable mobility.
CAVstar: The Brains Behind the Autonomous Bus
The newly unveiled autonomous electric bus was showcased at a special event held at Alexander Dennis’s technology hub in Farnborough. The vehicle is now poised to begin rigorous track-based testing, a critical step in calibrating the CAVstar system. This sophisticated system empowers the bus with fully autonomous capabilities, promising to revolutionize how we think about public transport.
"This is a landmark achievement for Fusion Processing and our CAVstar system,” said the company’s CEO, Jim Hutchinson. “We are proud to play a pivotal role in revolutionizing public transport with autonomous technology. The testing phase will ensure that the CAVstar system delivers unparalleled safety, efficiency and performance, making this an exceptional solution for sustainable mobility.”
From Track to Town: The Road Ahead
Following the completion of track testing, the autonomous bus will make its way to Cambridge. There, safety drivers will undergo comprehensive training to prepare for overseeing the bus's operations in real-world scenarios. The highly anticipated public launch is scheduled for later this year at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a renowned center for biomedical research, patient care, and education. This strategic deployment highlights the potential of autonomous vehicles to enhance accessibility and efficiency within key community hubs.
Cambridge at the Forefront of Innovation
"The Connector project positions Cambridge at the forefront of innovation by trialing autonomous vehicles on our roads,” commented Councillor Elisa Meschini, chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Executive Board. “This initiative not only paves the way for more sustainable and efficient travel but also highlights the power of collaboration in shaping the future of public transport. The unveiling of the first vehicle is a testament to the dedication and expertise of everyone involved.”
A Milestone for Alexander Dennis
Jamie Wilson, head of concepts and advanced engineering at Alexander Dennis, shared his perspective on this achievement: “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.”
The Future of Public Transport is Here
The unveiling of this autonomous electric bus represents a significant step towards a future where public transportation is safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. The Connector project, with its collaborative approach and cutting-edge technology, is paving the way for a new era of sustainable mobility, transforming the way we connect and move within our communities. The upcoming testing and deployment phases will provide invaluable data and insights, bringing us closer to a future where autonomous vehicles are an integral part of our daily lives. This innovation promises to not only improve transportation efficiency but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come. The project's focus on safety and performance underscores the commitment to ensuring that autonomous vehicles are a reliable and trustworthy mode of transport.
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