Arcimoto Partners with Faction to Develop Autonomous EVs
In a move that marks the next step towards widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), Arcimoto, the manufacturer of three-wheeled Fun Utility Vehicles (FUVs), has teamed up with Faction to develop autonomous EVs. The partnership is part of an upcoming pilot in Las Vegas, where tourists will be able to go sightseeing using Faction-powered FUVs.
How it Will Work
The pilot program, which is set to start in mid-2023, will involve Arcimoto’s FUVs being equipped with Faction’s sensor suite and Level 2+ advanced driver assistance system. The vehicles will also feature a tablet that showcases GoCar’s GPS-guided tour of the Vegas strip. The FUVs will drive themselves from GoCar’s depot to various hotels along the strip, where tourists can collect them and drive them along the tour route at their own pace.
The Role of Teleoperation
Faction’s system allows for basic levels of autonomy, but for more complex tasks, it relies on teleoperation. A remote operator will be able to adjust the vehicle’s trajectory line to navigate around obstacles or into parking lots. This is done using a combination of cameras and radar systems, rather than expensive lidar technology.
Benefits of Partnership
The partnership between Arcimoto, Faction, and GoCar offers several benefits. For GoCar, it provides cost savings by reducing the need for human delivery drivers. The company will also gain visibility into its vehicles’ locations and be able to clean and prep them more efficiently. For Arcimoto, the partnership expands its reach as a tourist offering for vehicles.
Background on D1
This is not the first collaboration between Arcimoto and Faction. Last year, the two companies began working together to build the D1, a semi-autonomous delivery vehicle based on the FUV. They have been running pilots in the Bay Area since July, according to McKendrick.
Faction’s Technology
Faction’s technology is designed to enable basic levels of autonomy while ensuring safety and reliability. Their system uses a combination of cameras and radar sensors to detect and respond to its environment. The company has already made significant progress in this area, having demonstrated the ability to navigate complex roads with ease.
Arcimoto’s Reach
The partnership between Arcimoto and Faction is an example of how companies are coming together to drive innovation in the transportation sector. By partnering with Faction, Arcimoto gains access to cutting-edge technology that can help expand its reach as a tourist offering for vehicles.
Key Takeaways
- The partnership between Arcimoto, Faction, and GoCar marks the next step towards widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
- Faction’s technology enables basic levels of autonomy while ensuring safety and reliability.
- The pilot program in Las Vegas will demonstrate the feasibility of autonomous EVs as a tourist offering for vehicles.
What’s Next?
As the partnership between Arcimoto, Faction, and GoCar continues to evolve, we can expect to see significant advancements in the transportation sector. With the increasing demand for sustainable transportation solutions, it is likely that we will see more companies investing in similar technologies.
Sources
- "Arcimoto Partners with Faction to Develop Autonomous EVs." [Source]
