Presented at the Geneva Motor Show, the Renault EZ-GO concept
envisions a low-speed autonomous urban vehicle to shuttle individuals and small
groups around cities.
The Level 4 autonomous shuttle is designed to
accommodate up to six passengers, with glass all around to provide unobstructed
views of the cityscape around them. Ingress and egress are enabled via a huge
door opening from the front and top of the vehicle when it pulls up at what
Renault envisions would be dedicated “bus stops” specifically for the EZ-GO.
At 5.2 meters long, 2.2 meters wide, and 1.6 meters tall – 1.8m with the hatch open – the
EZ-GO is a bit bigger than a MPV like Renault’s own Espace or even than a
larger, American-style minivan like the Toyota Sienna. But with only a single
electric motor and a 300-kg to schlepp, it weighs just 1,700 kg.
The French automaker figures it can get away with
the low-output powertrain since the vehicle is designed only to travel within
the city (not on intercity highways) at speeds no higher than 50 km/h. Four-wheel steering helps with low-speed maneuvering.
Rather than pitching the vehicle for personal
purchase and operation, Renault has designed the EZ-GO for transport companies
(whether public or privately incorporated) as a complement to – not a
replacement for – existing public transit platforms like buses, subways, and
light rails. It could be on to something. And if it is, we could see vehicles
like this running through our cities in the not too distant future.
