The first Ford E-Transit vans to be fitted with autonomous vehicle technology have hit UK roads.
The new Ford E-Transits are the first mass-production vehicles to be converted using autonomous vehicle technology specialist Oxa’s reference autonomy designs (RADs).
These design blueprints allow for the rapid integration of autonomy on host vehicles, including Driven by Oxa software and sensors, compute and drive-by-wire systems.
Oxa’s autonomous Ford E-Transit is designed to seamlessly integrate into existing fleets. The vehicle is configurable for both van and passenger services.
The compact hardware does not compromise space in the vehicle and the Oxa Driver software offers a low energy solution which allows vehicles to run for longer.
The vehicle is equipped with standard automotive-grade sensors, including cameras, lidar and radar.
Full 360-degree perception and long-range detection enable autonomous operation up to 35mph in mixed traffic.
Manual controls are preserved, enabling the vehicle to be used flexibly in a non-autonomous mode.
To assure the safe and efficient deployment of the Ford E-Transits Oxa tests and validates using a combination of controlled environments, real-world driving and virtual testing using Oxa’s Spatial AI technology.
Generative AI, digital twins and simulation allow accelerated training and evaluation tailored to the customers’ needs.
Both Ford E-Transit vans and minibuses, driven by Oxa are available now, for integration into commercial fleets.
Oxa said the technology offers a new cost-effective platform for goods delivery and signifies a significant leap forward in the commercialisation of self-driving technology.
Gavin Jackson, Oxa chief executive, said: “Making the Ford E-Transit available for autonomous operations is the next step on our journey to deliver safe, scalable, and sustainable autonomous solutions.
“This vehicle represents an important milestone in our mission to reshape the future of passenger transportation and logistics.”
