KIT researchers developing autonomous platooning electric bus system for public transport in Munich
Autonomous electric buses could make short-range transit safer and more efficient; however, articulated buses or those with passenger trailers require too much energy and are not flexible enough to accommodate the highly fluctuating passenger numbers. The solution could be platooning, in which several vehicles follow each other at short distances, the vehicles being controlled electronically.
These platoons can be adapted as required to meet specific traffic needs. Researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) are working on a city bus platoon for Munich.