Following a successful pilot at the 2024 Roland-Garros tennis tournament—where autonomous miniBuses transported nearly 700 passengers over 1,000 kilometers—Renault's self-driving technology is gaining traction across Europe. New trials are now underway in Barcelona, Valencia, and Zurich, each addressing unique transit challenges.
In Barcelona, two autonomous electric miniBuses navigated a 2.2-kilometer loop in the city's dense urban core with a five-day public demonstration testing the technology’s ability to function effectively in complex traffic conditions while supporting broader goals of livable, low-emission cities.
Meanwhile, Zurich Airport is evaluating Renault’s autonomous solutions in a high-security environment, focusing on improving employee transit between terminals and highlighting the adaptability of self-driving systems under strict operational protocols.
Beyond urban settings, Renault’s autonomous mobility solutions are being tested for commercial feasibility in Valencia, France. In collaboration with WeRide, beti (a public-private transport operator), and insurer Macif, the company is working to establish France’s first high-service automated transport network.
The 3.3-kilometer route connects a TGV railway station with a 162-hectare business district that accommodates 150 companies and 3,000 employees. This deployment demonstrates the potential for autonomous shuttles to enhance last-mile connectivity while reducing congestion and emissions.
By extending autonomous transit solutions beyond city centers, Renault is exploring how self-driving technology can improve accessibility in suburban and peri-urban areas while also integrating electric mobility into existing transport networks.
Renault Group differentiates its approach to autonomy based on application. While the company currently limits personal vehicles to Level 2 or 2+ driver assistance systems (ADAS), it sees greater near-term potential in Level 4 autonomous vehicles for public transport.
Under this model, autonomous miniBuses operate within predefined areas with remote supervision. As European cities continue expanding low-emission zones, Renault anticipates growing demand for these vehicles as a flexible and sustainable mobility alternative.
Looking ahead, the company is exploring the development of a modular, robotized electric miniBus platform by 2030. This concept would integrate advanced automation solutions from specialized partners such as WeRide, which has already deployed 1,200 autonomous vehicles worldwide—including 300 miniBuses that have collectively covered over 40 million kilometers.
