Renault Group Expands Autonomous Minibus Trials in Europe

Renault Group and WeRide are testing Level 4 autonomous minibuses in Barcelona, Valence, and Zurich. Learn how these trials are shaping the future of public transport.

Just a few years ago, autonomous public transport seemed like a distant dream. Today, Renault Group is bringing it to life. In partnership with Chinese tech leader WeRide, the company is actively testing Level 4 (L4) autonomous minibuses across Europe. These electric shuttles have already proven their efficiency in Barcelona, Valence, and Zurich Airport.

The Barcelona trial, held from March 10 to 14, showcased the future of urban mobility. Two WeRide minibuses operated along a 2.2-kilometer route in the heart of the Catalan capital, navigating the city's dense urban landscape. Equipped with ten cameras and eight LiDAR sensors, the shuttles provided a 360-degree view, ensuring smooth and safe navigation. They reached speeds of up to 40 km/h and could travel 120 kilometers on a single charge.

But Barcelona was just one step in a larger journey. In Valence, France, Renault Group is collaborating with beti, Macif, and WeRide to launch Europe's first commercial autonomous shuttle service. Following an initial testing phase from March 10 to April 19, the full-scale service is set to begin in July 2025. Two self-driving minibuses will operate along a 3.3-kilometer open-road route, connecting the Valence TGV railway station to key locations within a 162-hectare industrial park, including a long-term parking facility and a central dining hub. The service is designed to meet the transportation needs of 3,000 employees working across 150 companies in the area.

Another key test site is Zurich Airport, where WeRide’s autonomous minibuses have been undergoing trials since January 2025. These tests aim to assess the feasibility of using self-driving shuttles for staff transportation between terminals in a high-security, high-precision environment. The project is expected to demonstrate the reliability of driverless transport in critical infrastructure settings.

Renault Group first tested its autonomous minibus concept on public roads at Roland-Garros in May 2024. During the tournament, the shuttles covered 1,000 kilometers and transported approximately 700 passengers. This successful trial marked a major milestone, proving the maturity of the technology and paving the way for broader adoption across Europe.

Why is Renault Group focusing on public transport? Unlike passenger cars, where autonomous driving is still limited to Level 2+ systems, public transport offers a more immediate opportunity for deploying Level 4 solutions—fully autonomous but remotely monitored. With tightening emissions regulations and increasing urbanization, electric self-driving shuttles could be a key solution to the growing challenges of city mobility.

Renault Group and WeRide are not the only players in this space. European competitors such as Navya and EasyMile are developing similar solutions, while global leaders like Waymo and Baidu are pushing forward in the U.S. and China. However, Renault Group’s strategy is centered on strong partnerships and adapting technology to European conditions.

What does the future of autonomous transport look like? Its success will depend not just on technological advancements but also on regulatory frameworks, infrastructure readiness, and public acceptance. One thing is certain: driverless minibuses are no longer science fiction—they are already hitting the streets of European cities.

Source: renaultgroup.com