- Tests in Oslo tackle on the challenges posed by snow, ice, and cold, particularly for sensors, vehicle control, and safety.
- These trials advance the development of fully autonomous driving at SAE Level 4. Rides in Oslo are conducted with safety drivers on board.
- For the widespread deployment of the technology, it is crucial that autonomous vehicles operate reliably not only under optimal conditions but also in winter weather.
- The insights gained are essential for advancing development of autonomous systems and their future use in large parts of Europe and North America.
- Tests in Norway’s capital complement ongoing trials in Austin, Munich, and Hamburg by addressing extreme climatic conditions.
Hamburg/Oslo, 06 March 2025 – Snow, ice, sub-zero temperatures: MOIA, a susidiary of Volkswagen Group, is setting another milestone in the testing of fully autonomous vehicles. Since the beginning of this year the ID. Buzz AD is being tested in Oslo under winter conditions. In addition to Austin, Munich, and Hamburg, MOIA is thereby expanding the application scope of autonomous driving technology to extreme climatic conditions.
The tests focus on the behavior of autonomous vehicles in snow, ice, and low temperatures as well as the performance of sensors under limited visibility. Additionally, the evaluation includes, how the vehicles interact with traffic infrastructure—such as snow-covered road markings and signs— as well as other road users under challenging weather conditions. MOIA is consistently advancing the development of fully autonomous mobility services at the SAE Automation Level 4, currently still operating with safety drivers on board. The insights gained are crucial for further developing autonomous driving technology and represent an important step toward market readiness.
The tests lay the foundation for the reliable operation of the ID. Buzz AD even under challenging weather conditions and prepare the vehicle for commercial deployment in Europe and North America. “Winter road conditions with temperatures down to –20 degrees Celsius are the ultimate stress test for autonomous vehicles. For the widespread deployment of the technology, it is essential that they operate reliably not only in ideal environments but also in winter weather,” says Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen ADMT. “The tests in Oslo provide us with valuable data for further developing our software and hardware and are an important step for scaling the technology.”
Sascha Meyer, CEO of MOIA, states: “Users of mobility services expect a comfortable, reliable, and safe mode of transport – regardless of the season and weather conditions. This remains especially true in the autonomous age. To ensure that people worldwide can reliably experience our autonomous vehicles, we are making the technology winter-proof. The ability to drive safely under extreme weather conditions is a fundamental prerequisite for the long-term economic success of our offering in Europe and North America.”
MOIA is developing an autonomous on-demand system that comprises a fully autonomous vehicle, intelligent software for fleet management, passenger management, as well as a booking app for customers. MOIA has already accumulated several hundred thousand test kilometers in Austin (USA), Munich, and Hamburg. Beyond evaluating the driving function in dense urban traffic, all systems essential for ensuring customer safety and comfort are also being tested. In 2025, testing with external closed user groups will begin in Hamburg, where selected individuals can book autonomous MOIAs. With Oslo, MOIA is preparing for autonomous driving under winter conditions. The company is collaborating with Holo, an operator of autonomous vehicle fleets. Holo provides the necessary infrastructure in the Norwegian capital and supports operations.
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