- User group tests have begun with employees; gradual expansion to select test customers next year
- Hamburg’s Senator for Transport, Dr. Anjes Tjarks, and media representatives take their first ride in the prototype ID. Buzz AD to learn about the progress in autonomous driving
- Preview of the new ID. Buzz AD interior for the test operations in Hamburg
Hamburg, November 18, 2024 – The future of mobility is becoming a reality in Hamburg with autonomous driving: MOIA, the mobility subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, and Volkswagen ADMT are advancing the development of autonomous mobility services at SAE Level 4 automation. Following successful test drives in Austin (U.S.A.) and Munich last year, members of the media and Hamburg’s Senator for Transport and Mobility Transition, Dr. Anjes Tjarks, had the opportunity to explore the vehicle and learn about the current state of development in Hamburg. Together with Volkswagen ADMT, MOIA showcased the ID. Buzz AD prototype, offering a glimpse of the interior design for the upcoming test operations in Hamburg.
A safety-first approach is vital during development. Equipped with 13 cameras, nine LiDAR sensors, and five radar sensors, the vehicles continuously capture their surroundings in real-time. High-performance computers convert this data into precise driving commands. Additionally, the vehicles are equipped with redundant systems for brakes, steering, and power supply. Before deployment on public roads, extensive simulations and real-world tests are conducted. “Austin, Munich, and Hamburg – the ID. Buzz AD is being tested and validated in three major cities worldwide,” said Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen ADMT. “Passenger safety and the safety of all road users are our top priorities. This also includes regular communication with local police and fire departments.” MOIA’s autonomous vehicles are designed to integrate into urban emergency response systems, for instance, pulling over to the side of the road when forming emergency lanes.
MOIA has successfully developed and established fully electric ridepooling in Hamburg. With more than 11 million passengers served since 2019, MOIA has become a core component of the city’s mobility network. The next logical step is autonomous driving, which promises to enable larger fleets over time. Passengers will benefit from a highly available, user-friendly service at lower prices. By developing autonomous ridepooling, MOIA is pioneering a critical future technology in Hamburg and aims to bring it to market maturity in the coming months. The ID. Buzz AD fleet will be integrated into MOIA’s software environment, which includes intelligent fleet management, the booking app, and passenger management. “Our testing is already underway. In addition to evaluating the driving capabilities in dense traffic, we’re also testing all functionalities needed to ensure safe and comfortable passenger transport,” said Sascha Meyer, CEO of MOIA. “Next year, we will gradually expand test operations. Selected individuals will be able to book autonomous MOIA vehicles and travel within the test area to their destination – just like regular service, but with the difference that the vehicle drives autonomously.” Meyer added, “Our surveys show that 75 percent of our Hamburg users view an autonomous MOIA service neutrally or positively. More than half would be interested in using such a service.”
Dr. Anjes Tjarks, Hamburg’s Senator for Transport and Mobility Transition, said, “Together with MOIA and our partners, we’re working to shape the future of public transport in Hamburg: more flexible, more tailored to people’s destinations and routes, smarter, and more comfortable. Autonomous ridepooling solutions bright the gap between traditional buses and trains and private cars. Hamburg is taking a leading role in Europe: By 2025, the first autonomous vehicles will operate in the city center. During this time, initial test groups will also ride and provide feedback. Starting mid-2025, in collaboration with our partners at MOIA, VW, the federal government, and Hochbahn, we aim to take a significant step forward testing autonomous ridepooling in Hamburg.”
During test operations in Hamburg, a pre-production version of the ID. Buzz AD will be used. This vehicle offers the ideal size for urban use – compact, agile, and optimized for space utilization. The interior is tailored to passenger needs, featuring wide seats and increased headroom for greater comfort. The bright and welcoming design follows MOIA’s signature look and feel, with intuitive controls and high safety standards rounding out the interior concept. The production version of the ID. Buzz AD will feature a longer wheelbase, four seats, and space for carry-on luggage.
