SINGAPORE — Swedish manufacturer Volvo Buses and Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) introduced the world’s first full-size autonomous electric bus in March 2019, marking a significant step toward integrating driverless technology into urban transport systems.
The 12-meter vehicle, designed to carry up to 80 passengers, is part of Singapore’s broader strategy to reduce traffic congestion and promote shared mobility solutions. NTU President Subra Suresh indicated that initial testing on university grounds could begin within weeks, with plans to expand to public roads after regulatory approvals, potentially by 2022.
Volvo Buses President Håkan Agnevall emphasized the bus’s practical relevance, stating it represents a "milestone" for real-world deployment. Singapore’s proactive stance on autonomous vehicles was highlighted by its second-place ranking globally in a KPMG index assessing readiness for such technology.
The project aligns with Singapore’s goal to trial autonomous buses across three districts by 2022, reflecting its commitment to innovation in public transportation.
