ZF is expanding its range of products for autonomous and electric shuttle systems.
With immediate effect, the Group is offering shuttle vehicles and all supplementary services required for planning, implementation, operation, maintenance and repair of autonomous passenger transport systems.
ZF is directing its offer to cities and urban mobility operators. The supplier maintains according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), urban traffic is responsible for around 40% of emissions caused by global passenger transport.
However, both the number of city dwellers and their mobility needs will increase significantly in the coming decades.
In addition to accelerated electrification of urban traffic, intelligent mobility concepts are necessary so cities can both help meet climate targets and offer inhabitants an attractive place to live.
One solution is autonomous passenger transport systems. In the run-up to the ITS World Congress (11-15 October in Hamburg), ZF is now showing how this solution is becoming more accessible and attractive for municipalities: In addition to the purely battery electrically powered, autonomously driving shuttle vehicles the Group has had in its portfolio since the acquisition of the company, 2getthere in 2019, ZF now also offers all services required for planning, implementation, operation, maintenance and repair of an autonomous shuttle system.
Currently, municipalities and urban mobility operators need major knowledge and resources to set up autonomous passenger transport systems. “Our solution is available immediately and can make an immediate contribution to reducing local traffic-related emissions,” said ZF head of Autonomous Mobility Systems, Torsten Gollewski.
The technology group supplies the shuttle systems, helps create route layout, accompanies installation and commissioning of the shuttle systems, supports service and, if necessary, repair.
ZF also advises on fleet management software or connectivity solutions, which ensure connection to traffic infrastructure – such as traffic lights and speed displays – as well as communication with passengers via apps.
“The current generation of shuttles is designed for operation in structurally separated lanes,” added Gollewski. “For many cities, this application already means a relief of the crowded traffic situation.
“Routes can be designed in such a way they optimally complement the existing public transport system.”
The supplier notes metropolises or medium-sized cities can also significantly improve connections to nearby rural areas.
Abandoned rail lines can be converted into autonomous shuttle routes – at significantly lower costs than would be incurred by building and activating electric rail vehicles.
With the next generation of autonomous shuttles, ZF can cover further applications – such as autonomous shuttle operation in designated lanes and as a regular participant in general city traffic.
https://press.zf.com/press/en/releases/release_31301.html