Skip to main content

Singapore trials first driverless EV

Singapore’s first driverless electric vehicle, developed by the country’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU), has taken to the streets in a test carried out along a two kilometre route. The vehicle can accommodate eight passengers and is able to travel at 20 kilometres per hour. The two-year test project, being carried out jointly by NTU, JTC and Induct Technologies, is the first of its kind in Singapore and aims to develop a vehicle that will replace shuttle buses in the country.
August 20, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
Singapore’s first driverless electric vehicle, developed by the country’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU), has taken to the streets in a test carried out along a two kilometre route. The vehicle can accommodate eight passengers and is able to travel at 20 kilometres per hour.

The two-year test project, being carried out jointly by NTU, JTC and 7149 Induct Technologies, is the first of its kind in Singapore and aims to develop a vehicle that will replace shuttle buses in the country.

The vehicle will be able to safely interact with traffic in Singapore, the developers claim. Software and intelligence systems will be programmed into the vehicle to enable it operate on pre-defined routes. They expect that the new vehicle would be about 30 per cent to 50 per cent less expensive to operate than a normal vehicle.

The joint research team will also oversee the development and testing of various new charging technologies, such as wireless induction and new super capacitors for electric vehicles.

Related Content

  • April 12, 2012
    IBM and ZSE to create virtual green highway for EVs
    IBM has teamed with Zapadoslovenska energetika, (ZSE), the largest distributor and supplier of electricity in Slovakia, on a smart energy feasibility study that will help prepare the capital city Bratislava for electric vehicles (EVs). Using e-mobility technology, the study will help identify the possibilities of connecting two neighbouring metropolitan areas – Bratislava, Slovakia and Vienna, Austria with a ‘green’ highway that will interconnect the two cities with a network of public charging stations for
  • October 28, 2015
    When caring about sharing is good business for US automakers
    Although car-sharing and ride-sharing could drastically reduce car sales, David Crawford finds some US automakers are keen to participate in the sharing economy. Growing consumer interest in car- and ride-sharing, as opposed to outright ownership, and ride-sharer Uber’s recently stated intention to make its brand competitive with ownership on cost, are making the major US automotive manufacturers think seriously about their future sales prospects. Some have already begun exploring ways of entering the field
  • October 21, 2014
    London’s strategy to tackle air quality problems
    Colin Sowman talks to Matthew Pencharz, the man charged with charting London’s path between catering for traveller needs, conserving ancient buildings and conforming to modern air quality standards.
  • November 15, 2017
    HMI commence third driverless vehicle trial at La Trobe University, Melbourne
    HMI Technologies (HMI) has launched its third self-driving vehicle trial with a consortium of partners at La Trobe University, in Melbourne, Australia. The trial intends to further help authorities and commercial businesses to research the benefits and limitations of the technology, and identify how it will become part of the public transport network of tomorrow. The La Trobe Autonobus (LTA) will soon connect students and staff at the University campus to other transport network nodes such as trams and bus