KIRA sends electric robotaxis with test users to Darmstadt, Germany
Since the launch three months ago, the project initiated by Germany’s Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund and Deutsche Bahn has reached full scope. Test users can now use the vehicles across an extended service area. The shuttles are Nio ES8 electric SUVs, equipped with LiDAR sensors, cameras, and Mobileye software, operating at automation level 4. It allows the vehicles to drive fully autonomously on defined routes, making all driving decisions while safety drivers monitor operations from a control centre. Unlike other autonomous electric shuttles in Germany, KIRA vehicles move freely in public traffic.
More than 1,000 test users are currently approved, with the KIRA app enabling ride booking. Additional participants will be gradually admitted based on demand and vehicle availability. Officials see autonomous on-demand services as a way to make public transport more flexible and attractive, particularly in suburban and rural areas. Current on-demand shuttles with staff operate in ten RMV regions; autonomous vehicles can fill gaps during off-peak times and in less populated areas. The goal is to integrate different transport modes for seamless, flexible door-to-door mobility.
DB Regio Bus Mitte operates the fleet, while DB subsidiary ioki provides booking and routing software and integrates technology from partners. Mobileye supplies the self-driving technology, HD maps, and sensors. Research partners include Germany’s DLR, KIT, and VDV.
The test phase runs until the end of 2025 and is supported by around €2.2 million from the German federal and Hesse state governments. The project is roughly a year behind schedule. Deutsche Bahn had announced the first tests of the autonomous electric shuttles (still without test users) for May 2023 – but they actually started in mid-2024. The reason for the delay was the insolvency of CleverShuttle, a former subsidiary of Deutsche Bahn that was also involved in the project (which meant that approval from the Federal Motor Transport Authority could not be obtained).
Since June 2024, the six shuttles have covered more than 60,000 km, averaging over one trip per hour during operating times (Wednesday to Friday, 09:30–15:30).
Prof. Knut Ringat, CEO of Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund, said: “With Darmstadt, the KIRA service area links rural areas directly to the city. Registered passengers can, for example, take a direct trip between Darmstadt main station and Egelsbach. Our pilot tests how to make public mobility available everywhere and anytime, a key part of our vision for autonomous public transport in Germany.”
This article was first published by Cora Werwitzke for electrive’s German edition.
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