UK exhibits autonomous bus, made by Alexander Dennis, at Cenex Expo

The Connector project, led by the Greater Cambridge Partnership, is set to trial services linking Trumpington park and ride and Babraham Road park and ride with the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. At the heart of this project is the deployment of the Enviro100AEV autonomous electric bus, developed by Alexander Dennis.

The Connector project aims to showcase the benefits of Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) solutions, including enhanced accessibility, reduced emissions, and a more reliable and inclusive transport network. The project will test how automation can make services more efficient, reliable, and accessible, while gathering evidence on public acceptance of self-driving buses.

An accessibility and inclusivity study will be conducted to examine how automated bus services can meet the needs of all users, including those with protected characteristics. The project consortia will further develop their business case for the deployment of CAM solutions.

The Enviro100AEV, with a capacity for up to 26 seated passengers, uses the Voith Electrical Drive System supported by 354kWh batteries. The bus model is based on the manufacturer's 8.5-metre Enviro100EV and combines battery-electric propulsion with an autonomous driving system.

The project expects passenger operations to begin later this year. The work on the Connector project will involve collaboration with various project consortia and is part of the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles' (CCAV) CAM Pathfinder Programme, supported by the UK Government.

The extended project will include further testing on guided busways. The Connector project has received additional funding to extend its duration until at least March 2026. The Alexander Dennis Enviro100AEV autonomous electric bus was presented at Cenex Expo on 3-4 September at Millbrook Proving Ground, making it a key platform in the UK for connected and automated mobility technologies.

The Connector project will continue to provide vital insight into the opportunities presented by the deployment of CAM solutions across the UK and beyond. It will serve as a pivotal example in showcasing the benefits of CAM solutions and the commercial readiness of the Enviro100AEV autonomous electric bus.