Volkswagen Plans Autonomous Electric Shuttle Network in Qatar
Volkswagen and Qatar partner to launch a fleet of self-driving electric shuttles and buses in Doha by 2022.
Volkswagen Group and the Qatar Investment Authority agree to develop a public transit system of autonomous shuttles and buses in Doha by 2022. The expansive project involves four VW brands, including Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Scania, MOIA, and Audi subsidiary Autonomous Intelligent Driving. These partners work together to create the entire transport ecosystem, which includes the electric vehicles, legal framework, city infrastructure, and ride-hailing software.
The planned fleet consists of 35 autonomous electric ID. Buzz vehicles that shuttle up to four passengers on semi-fixed routes within a geo-fenced area of Doha. Additionally, 10 larger Scania buses accommodate bigger groups of travelers. QIA CEO Mansoor Al Mahmoud notes that AI-enabled, emission-free transportation technologies help advance urban mobility, reduce congestion, and improve energy efficiency.
Closed testing of the autonomous shuttle vehicles and buses begins in 2020, with potential public trials starting as early as 2021. The partners state that the full project goes live by the end of 2022, seamlessly integrating the self-driving fleet into the city's existing public transit network.