As part of the DRIVE. Forum in Berlin, VW Group presented the OnePod oncept – a fully autonomous electric pod with a configurable interior. OnePod was created in VW Group’s Design Center at Potsdam, showing the company’s vision for the future of urban mobility. The “One” in the name stands for “One Solution for all” hinting at multiple uses for the vehicle. The pictured example is designed as a robotaxi, since VW wants to become a service provider in the future.
Visually, the One has an aerodynamic
one-box silhouette with big glass surfaces, covered wheels, and sculpted body
panels. The LED light strips on both ends are communicating with other road
users through signals and warnings. There is also a foldable bike rack at the
back, allowing passengers to take their bicycles with them. The configurable
cabin has plenty of space and great visibility; in this version, it can
accommodate up to four passengers. Controls are integrated into the armrests
and a large screen displays information during the trip.
When parked, the vehicle detects the
curb’s height and automatically lowers its floor. This means that parents with
baby strollers and people with disabilities on wheelchairs can easily access
the interior through the large sliding doors. A roof-mounted camera recognizes
passengers, opening the doors automatically when they approach. A full-scale
prototype of the OnePod will be exhibited until December 31, 2021, in the
DRIVE.’s “Go.City – The Future of Urban Mobility” exhibition in Berlin.
