Press Release, 6 February 2025
Fusion Processing, a global leader in automated vehicle technology, proudly announces the completion of the first Alexander Dennis Enviro100AEV autonomous electric bus, equipped with its state-of-the-art CAVstar® automated drive system, for the Connector project based in Cambridge. The milestone marks a significant step toward transforming public transport in the UK with cutting-edge autonomous technology.
This breakthrough is part of the Innovate UK-backed Connector project, led by the Greater Cambridge Partnership, and is supported by a consortium that includes Fusion Processing, Alexander Dennis, IPG Automotive, dRISK, and Gamma Energy.
The project receives funding and guidance from the UK Government’s Centre for Connected & Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV). At a special unveiling event held at Alexander Dennis’ technology hub in
Farnborough, representatives from the consortium celebrated the arrival of this groundbreaking autonomous electric bus. The bus will soon undergo track-based testing to calibrate and optimise Fusion Processing’s CAVstar® system, which provides the vehicle with its fully autonomous driving capabilities.
“This is a landmark achievement for Fusion Processing and our CAVstar® system,” said Jim Hutchinson, CEO of Fusion Processing. “We are proud to play a pivotal role in revolutionising public transport with autonomous technology. The testing phase will ensure that the CAVstar® system delivers unparalleled safety, efficiency, and performance, making this an exceptional solution for sustainable mobility.” After the track-testing phase is complete, the bus will then move to Cambridge where safety drivers will receive training to oversee operations before the launch of public services later this year at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, a hub for world-class biomedical research, patient care, and education.
A Vision for the Future of Public Transport
Cllr Elisa Meschini, Chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Executive Board, commented, “The Connector project positions Cambridge at the forefront of innovation by trialing autonomous vehicles on our roads. This initiative not only paves the way for more sustainable and efficient travel but also highlights the power of collaboration in shaping the future of public transport. The unveiling of the first vehicle is a testament to the dedication and expertise of everyone involved.”
Jamie Wilson, Head of Concepts & Advanced Engineering for Alexander Dennis, said: “The completion of the first Enviro100AEV is a great milestone for the Connector project as we now enter a phase of vehicle testing to ready the technology for public services. This builds on the substantial work we have done with Fusion Processing and other partners in similar projects to further refine this technology as we continue to explore use cases where autonomous buses can improve operational efficiency and add flexibility to transport networks.”
The CAVstar® automated drive system, developed by Fusion Processing, serves as the technological cornerstone of the project. With proven performance in previous on-highway trials, it is engineered to deliver seamless and reliable autonomous operation in real-world urban environments.
