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ZF brings autonomous level 4 shuttles to the US market

ZF and Beep Partner to Bring Autonomous Level 4 Shuttles to US Market

ZF and Beep have announced a strategic partnership to bring a new generation of autonomous Level 4 shuttles to the US market.

ZF and Beep announce strategic partnership for autonomous shuttles

The partnership aims to deliver several thousand shuttles to customers over the coming years, combining ZF’s Autonomous Transport Systems (ATS) with Beep’s mobility services and service management platform into a single-source autonomous mobility solution. The new shuttles will be used primarily in urban environments and mixed traffic, and are equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology, including lidar, radar, camera, and audio systems, as well as the ZF ProConnect connectivity platform and the ZF ProAI supercomputer.

Unlock Mobility: With its next shuttle generation, ZF presents a new, autonomous Level 4 vehicle for mixed traffic.

The shuttles are powered by selectable battery capacities between 50 and 100 kWh, and have a maximum speed of 25 mph (with further development planned for 50 mph). They offer a total passenger capacity of 22, with up to 15 seated, and are designed to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, including an automatic ramp and wheelchair restraints. The interior of the autonomous level 4 shuttles is customizable and features front- and rear-wheel steer and kneeling functions for easy boarding and disembarking.

State-of-the-art technology and comprehensive support services included in ATS

ZF’s ATS also includes comprehensive shuttle services, such as fleet management, maintenance, repair, and training. The new shuttles will celebrate their world premiere at the CES 2023 event in Las Vegas.

The partnership between ZF and Beep is a significant development in the world of autonomous transportation. As urban areas continue to grow and traffic congestion becomes an increasingly pressing issue, the demand for efficient and sustainable mobility solutions is higher than ever. ZF’s ATS provides a solution to these challenges, offering a transformative approach to mobility that reduces traffic-related emissions and addresses the driver shortage in local public transport.

Experience the Convenience and Comfort of ZF’s Autonomous Level 4 Shuttles

The new generation of autonomous Level 4 shuttles from ZF and Beep offers a range of benefits for both passengers and operators. For passengers, the shuttles provide a comfortable and convenient way to travel, with customizable interiors and features such as front- and rear-wheel steer and kneeling functions for easy boarding and disembarking. The shuttles are also designed to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, including an automatic ramp and wheelchair restraints.

Flexibility in all areas: From the choice of different battery capacities, to the distribution of seating and standing room, to the materials and fabrics used, customers can customize their autonomous level 4 shuttles.

For operators, the shuttles offer a reliable and cost-effective transportation solution. With a range of up to 80 miles in pure electric mode and selectable battery capacities between 50 and 100 kWh, the shuttles can cover a significant distance without the need for frequent charging. The autonomous level 4 shuttles are also equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology and the ZF ProConnect connectivity platform, which enables communication with the infrastructure and the cloud. This technology ensures the safe and efficient operation of the shuttles, while the ZF ProAI supercomputer processes data to provide safe driving strategies using artificial intelligence.

ZF’s Autonomous Level 4 Shuttle: The Future of Urban Transportation

In addition to the autonomous Level 4 shuttles themselves, ZF’s ATS also includes comprehensive shuttle services such as fleet management, maintenance, repair, and training. This support helps operators to optimize the performance and reliability of their shuttles, ensuring that they can provide a consistent and high-quality service to their passengers.

State-of-the-art technology, graceful design: ZF shows the next autonomous level 4 shuttle generation at CES 2023.

The partnership between ZF and Beep is a promising development for the future of autonomous transportation. The new generation of shuttles offers a flexible and sustainable solution for urban mobility, and we look forward to seeing them in action at the CES 2023 event in Las Vegas.

With state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive support services, these shuttles have the potential to revolutionize the way we travel in urban areas, reducing traffic congestion and emissions while providing a convenient and comfortable transportation option. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these innovative shuttles and the role they will play in the evolution of mobility.

Joe Moye, Beep, (left) and Josef Waldbauer, ZF, sign the strategic partnership in the presence of Kevin Reid, Hinrich Woebcken, Dr. Holger Klein and Torsten Gollewski.

In conclusion, the partnership between ZF and Beep is a major step forward in the world of autonomous transportation. The new generation of Level 4 shuttles offers a reliable, flexible, and sustainable solution for urban mobility, and we at The Heavy-Duty Parts Report team are excited to see them in action.

Learn more about this development here, or check out our previous reporting on ZF.

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Author: Jamie Irvine

Jamie Irvine is the host of The Heavy-Duty Parts Report and a consultant that works with manufacturers, distributors, and SaaS companies serving the heavy-duty truck parts industry.

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