While tests for self-drive cars in the United States are being rethought after the accidents that took place in the early months, Europe is preparing to put these vehicles on the road but taking into account the specificities of European traffic. Switzerland will be the first country to try electric cars, favoring transit in the suburbs.

 

The experience, called Avenue, will last four years and will be run on the ground by UNIGE (University of Geneva), with a budget of 22 million euros. Despite the project being carried out in Switzerland, 16 of these millions come from the European Union. The Swiss university will have a fleet of different vehicles, with capacities for four to twelve people, including Navya Arma, which is already being used on short journeys and in restricted environments. The choice of suburbs is justified by having fewer public transport options than city centers.

 

With the Avenue experience, UNIGE will study how stand-alone cars will be used by the population, with a smartphone application to access the service, and the integration of infotainment systems and their customization. It will also study the adaptation of the public to these new technologies. From the traffic point of view, it will aim to improve the efficiency of routes in terms of reducing operating costs, without jeopardizing the safety of users and pedestrians.

 

 

Source, Motor24.