Renault tests driverless mini-bus in Barcelona

In Barcelona, Spain, Renault is currently testing a driverless mini-bus on a 2.2-km circular route with four stops in the city center. This autonomous vehicle is part of an initiative aimed at advancing public transportation technology in Europe, a region that has been slower to adopt such innovations compared to the United States and China. The mini-bus can travel up to 120 kilometers without a recharge and reach speeds of 40 kilometers per hour. Equipped with advanced technology, including 10 cameras and eight lidars, the vehicle is designed to navigate through urban environments filled with pedestrians and other vehicles. The driverless mini-bus has been operational this week, allowing commuters to ride for free. Passengers aboard have displayed various reactions, from joy and curiosity to apprehension, with some taking photos and others expressing surprise at the absence of a driver. As the bus maneuvers the streets of Barcelona's fashionable Passeig de Gracia boulevard, it captures the attention of locals and tourists alike, raising discussions about the future of public transportation. Renault's partnership with WeRide, a company specializing in autonomous technology, signifies the collaborative efforts being made to pioneer this innovative form of transport. Although Europe faces competition from more aggressively developing markets in the US and China, Renault's project indicates a step toward preparing European cities for the integration of autonomous vehicles into their public transport systems. The initiative reflects a growing interest in how advanced technology can reshape everyday commuting experiences. With a focus on demonstrating the safety and efficiency of this autonomous vehicle, Renault hopes to prove that driverless options can complement traditional transportation methods. Barcelona city officials have not reported any accidents involving the bus, indicating a successful trial period thus far, which could pave the way for wider acceptance and implementation of autonomous vehicles in urban environments across Europe.