Kawasaki City has officially launched its autonomous electric vehicle bus initiative, marking a significant step toward the future of public transportation. The initiative kicked off with the start of demonstration tests for Level 2 autonomy on January 27, 2025. This project aims to achieve full Level 4 autonomous driving by 2027, highlighting Kawasaki's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology within its public transit framework.
The launch event took place at the Kawasaki Life Science and Environment Research Center, where officials and media were invited to experience the new autonomous vehicle firsthand. The electric minibus, known as the 'Minibus 2.0,' developed by Tier IV, is equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, ensuring safety and efficiency on its routes.
With eight LiDAR sensors, 14 additional cameras and sensors, along with GNSS and IMU systems, Minibus 2.0 is considered one of the most advanced autonomous buses to date. The demonstration involved extensive learning and data acquisition over approximately 400 kilometers, which took about two weeks to complete.
This innovative bus uses sophisticated algorithms to recognize its planned route, surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and potential obstacles, performing all driving operations autonomously during the trial period. An attendant remains at the driver's seat to take control if necessary, reflecting the vehicle's current operational level of autonomy.
Notably, the project features routes connecting Kawasaki City and Ota Ward, Tokyo, showcasing the potential for inter-city transit solutions. Coordination between different jurisdictions adds complexity to the initiative; approvals and negotiations from each area's administrative and law enforcement bodies are necessary before the autonomous bus can operate across borders.
Signal coordination between the vehicle and traffic lights is implemented on the Kawasaki side of the route, enhancing safety during right turns. When testing on the Ota side, the bus relied on camera-based signal recognition, indicating different technological integration levels between regions.
During the demonstration's initial route, around 2 kilometers from the venue to Tenku Bridge Station was opened for trial rides, even as the complete operational plan encompasses 4.4 kilometers. The bus maintained speeds similar to standard transit options, around 35 km/h, ensuring it did not feel slow compared to existing service levels.
The development of autonomous buses emerges as public transportation faces serious challenges, particularly due to driver shortages across urban areas, including Tokyo and Yokohama. This shortage often leads to reduced bus services, affecting citizens' mobility. Kawasaki City aims to address these issues through the introduction of autonomous transport.
The price point for these autonomous buses is considerably higher than standard models, costing about 1 billion yen each compared to traditional buses at approximately 35 million yen and electric buses at around 50 million yen. Kawasaki City is currently using government subsidies to finance the acquisition of these vehicles and related operational costs.
The recent trials and future operations hope to position Kawasaki City as a leader in integrating autonomous EV technology within urban transportation networks, responding to the needs of residents and enhancing service reliability.
With every step taken during these trials, Kawasaki City moves closer to setting the standard for automated public transport systems. Observers highlight the importance of such advancements not only for convenience but also for enhancing accessibility and reliability amid future demographic shifts, including aging populations.
Following the positive responses from test rides and preliminary findings, city officials express optimism about scaling up these trials. They anticipate the possibility of fully autonomous bus services becoming available to residents, contributing to revitalized public transportation and community mobility.
The evolution of public transport via autonomous vehicles is indicative of the broader shifts occurring across mobility landscapes. Kawasak, with its initiatives like this, is paving the way, providing much-needed solutions to contemporary transit challenges.