WeRide is set to mark a significant milestone in autonomous mobility with the launch of its first fully driverless commercial Robobus service in Europe. Partnering with Beti, Renault Group, and Macif, WeRide will introduce its L4 autonomous shuttle service in France’s Drôme region. This deployment will offer a high-level automated transportation solution, operating at speeds of up to 40 km/h while dynamically avoiding obstacles in real-time.
The service will utilize several 6-meter-long robobuses, each capable of carrying up to eight passengers. These autonomous vehicles will be operated by Beti Automated Mobility and will run on open roads amidst mixed traffic. The launch is scheduled for March 10, with operations beginning at the Rovaltain business park, connecting passengers to the Valence TGV station in Drôme.
This initiative not only represents WeRide’s first commercial deployment of fully driverless Robobuses in Europe but also establishes a pioneering example of an advanced automated service bridging a railway station with a business hub. The project underscores WeRide’s growing global footprint, following its success in markets such as China, Singapore, and the Middle East.
Jennifer Li, CFO and head of international business at WeRide, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with Beti enables us to bring our first commercial Robobus deployment to Europe, reinforcing our global leadership in L4 autonomous driving technology and commercialization.”
Beti, the operator of the robobuses, will implement its proprietary “hypervision” system to provide an additional layer of safety, ensuring continuous system improvements and enhanced security for passengers. Benjamin Beaudet, CEO of Beti, emphasized the importance of this technology in making automated mobility both reliable and scalable.
The service route will span 3.3 kilometers, linking key locations including the train station, long-term parking areas, a catering hub, and a business park housing 150 companies with a total workforce of approximately 3,000 people. The deployment is expected to significantly improve last-mile connectivity and offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional transport options.
WeRide envisions this initiative as a step toward revolutionizing urban mobility. The company outlined several key benefits of the service, including improved transportation flexibility between the station and nearby businesses, promoting sustainable and efficient last-mile mobility, reducing carbon emissions compared to traditional modes of transit, and enhancing employee access to the catering hub within the business park.
Renault Group, a key collaborator in the project, has played a crucial role in advancing autonomous mobility solutions. Patrick Vergelas, head of Autonomous Mobility Projects at Renault Group, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “Following successful trials conducted by Renault Group and WeRide, we are now moving forward with launching an automated passenger transport service in Valence.”
The project will unfold in two phases. The initial learning phase will run from March 10 to April 19, during which the service will operate from Monday to Friday, simulating real-world passenger transportation scenarios. This phase aims to assess the service’s feasibility, technological reliability, and operational efficiency. A second phase is scheduled to begin in July, marking the full-scale implementation of the autonomous mobility service.
As cities worldwide explore sustainable and efficient transport solutions, WeRide’s Robobus deployment in France sets a new precedent for autonomous public transportation. With its advanced L4 technology, the company continues to push the boundaries of innovation, paving the way for a future where driverless vehicles seamlessly integrate into everyday mobility.
