Fusion Processing has officially introduced the first Alexander Dennis Enviro100AEV, an autonomous electric bus integrated with its cutting-edge CAVstar automated drive system. This marks a significant milestone in the advancement of autonomous public transport, as the vehicle is set to revolutionize urban mobility with its innovative technology.
The launch is part of the Innovate UK-supported Connector project, which is spearheaded by the Greater Cambridge Partnership. The initiative brings together a consortium of industry leaders, including Fusion Processing, Alexander Dennis, IPG Automotive, dRisk, and Gamma Energy. The project also benefits from financial backing and strategic guidance from the UK government’s Centre for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV).
The unveiling event took place at Alexander Dennis’s technology hub in Farnborough, where industry experts and stakeholders gathered to witness the next step in autonomous transport development. Following its debut, the bus will enter a rigorous track-based testing phase, during which the CAVstar system will be calibrated to ensure seamless and safe autonomous operation.
Jim Hutchinson, CEO of Fusion Processing, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “This is a landmark moment for Fusion Processing and our CAVstar system. We take immense pride in our role in shaping the future of public transport through autonomous technology. The upcoming testing phase will be crucial in fine-tuning the system’s safety, efficiency, and performance to deliver a world-class sustainable mobility solution.”
Once testing is complete, the autonomous bus will be deployed in Cambridge, where safety drivers will undergo extensive training to oversee its operation. The vehicle is expected to launch later this year at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a globally renowned center for biomedical research, patient care, and education. This deployment will serve as a critical real-world trial, allowing experts to evaluate the bus’s performance in a dynamic urban setting.
Councillor Elisa Meschini, Chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Executive Board, highlighted the transformative potential of the project, stating, “The Connector project is a bold step forward for Cambridge, positioning the city as a leader in autonomous vehicle innovation. By introducing self-driving buses onto our roads, we are not only promoting more efficient and sustainable travel but also demonstrating the power of collaboration in driving the future of transportation. The unveiling of the first vehicle is a testament to the dedication and expertise of everyone involved.”
Jamie Wilson, Head of Concepts and Advanced Engineering at Alexander Dennis, also underscored the importance of this milestone, remarking, “The completion of the first Enviro100AEV marks a significant achievement for the Connector project. As we transition into the testing phase, our focus will be on ensuring that this groundbreaking technology is ready for seamless integration into public transport services.”
The introduction of the Enviro100AEV represents a major step forward in autonomous transportation, reinforcing the UK’s position at the forefront of innovative mobility solutions. As testing progresses and real-world deployment nears, the project promises to set new standards for the future of self-driving public transport, paving the way for smarter, greener, and more efficient urban travel.
