Thursday, 24 April 2025
27.6 C
Singapore
31 C
Thailand
19 C
Indonesia
29.1 C
Philippines

May Mobility introduces 30-passenger autonomous electric minibus at CES 2025

May Mobility reveals a 30-passenger autonomous minibus at CES 2025, offering efficient, accessible, and sustainable transport solutions.

May Mobility, an autonomous vehicle technology company based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has introduced its latest innovation at CES 2025: an electric, autonomous minibus developed in collaboration with European electric bus manufacturer Tecnobus. This marks a significant step forward for May Mobility as the company expands its portfolio of autonomous vehicles.

Designed for urban and specialised transport

The newly unveiled Tecnobus minibus can carry up to 30 passengers, including wheelchair users, making it ideal for urban transit, corporate campuses, airports, and planned communities. One of the standout features of this vehicle is its swappable battery system, which ensures minimal downtime for recharging, keeping operations efficient.

May Mobility plans to integrate these minibuses into its fleet by late 2026, complementing its current lineup of 40 retrofitted Toyota Sienna minivans. These Siennas, equipped with May’s proprietary self-driving software and hardware, can accommodate up to eight passengers and are currently deployed for on-demand and fixed-route services.

Notably, the Tecnobus minibus has already received approval for use in Europe and Canada, signalling May Mobility’s ambitions to expand its operations internationally.

Expanding global presence

May Mobility’s current services span several locations across the United States, including Arlington, Texas; Detroit, Michigan; and Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The company operates shuttle services in these areas with a driver present to oversee operations.

On the international front, May Mobility has a notable presence in Japan. The company has partnered with telecom giant NTT to license its autonomous vehicle technology for a pilot programme in Nagoya. Additionally, active deployments are ongoing in major Japanese cities such as Tokyo and Fukuoka, demonstrating the company’s growing global footprint.

In its hometown of Ann Arbor, May Mobility recently launched a small-scale driverless shuttle initiative. This trial programme aims to evaluate the performance and reliability of its autonomous technology without a human driver in the front seat, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward fully autonomous public transport.

Plans and challenges

While May Mobility has not disclosed the exact number of Tecnobus vehicles it plans to add to its fleet, the announcement at CES 2025 indicates a clear intention to scale up its operations. Questions remain about which specific markets will see the first deployments of these minibuses. Still, the company’s focus on urban transit and planned communities suggests a broad range of potential applications.

By integrating the Tecnobus minibus into its fleet, May Mobility aims to redefine public transportation with an emphasis on accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability. As the autonomous vehicle industry continues to grow, May Mobility’s advancements could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban mobility.

Hot this week

OpenAI looked at Cursor before moving to buy Windsurf for US$3B

OpenAI tried to buy Cursor creator Anysphere before turning to Windsurf for US$3B, showing its urgency to lead AI code generation.

Anbernic stops US shipments amid rising tariff concerns

Anbernic halts US shipments due to rising tariffs, urging customers to order from its US warehouse to avoid high import duties.

Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 officially begin on April 24

Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 open on April 24. The device's launch date is June 5, and it offers new features, games, and accessories to explore.

GitLab announces general availability of GitLab Duo with Amazon Q

GitLab announces the general availability of GitLab Duo with Amazon Q, combining DevSecOps and AI to accelerate secure software development.

Nvidia rolls out major GPU update to fix crashes and stability issues

Nvidia’s 576.02 update fixes major GPU bugs, boosts stability, and adds support for the RTX 5060 Ti, starting at US$379.

POCO launches entry-level C71 smartphone in Singapore with premium features

POCO launches the budget-friendly C71 smartphone in Singapore, offering premium design, enhanced cameras, and smooth performance at S$109.

NVIDIA uses AI to address climate, wildlife and disaster risks

NVIDIA’s AI tools support climate action, wildlife monitoring, and disaster risk mitigation, with uses spanning sea, land, sky and space.

Netflix raises subscription prices in Singapore again

Netflix again raises subscription prices in Singapore, with new rates for all plans and extra member slots.

GameMax unveils Blade Concept ATX case with bold design and powerful features

GameMax launches the Blade Concept ATX case, which features a striking blade design, RGB lighting, and support for high-end liquid-cooled PC builds.

Related Articles

Popular Categories