Oxa unveils self-driving Ford E-Transit Van and Minibus

Much like something out of a decent sci-fi movie: Mind-boggling but not entirely unfathomable, autonomous vehicle tech firm, Oxa, has introduced its self-driving Ford E-Transit van and minibus.

The Ford E-Transit is the first mass-production model to be converted using Oxa's Reference Autonomy Designs (RADs), which are prototyped and validated by the brand before being released to vehicle OEMs and approved upfitters.

Combining Europe's best-selling large electric van with Oxa Driver software offers a new cost-effective platform for goods delivery and passenger services around the world

Oxa's Ford E-Transit is designed to be easily integrated into existing fleets and configurable for both logistics (delivery van) and passenger services (up to 10 seats in minibus form). The Oxa Driver software helps offer a smooth ride and low energy solution to allow vehicles to run for longer.

The vehicle is equipped with standard automotive-grade sensors, with full 360-degree perception and long-range detection enabling up to 56km/h in mixed traffic. Manual controls are available for the vehicle to be used in non-autonomous mode.

Oxa's RAD blueprints allow for the rapid integration of autonomy on host vehicles, including 'Driven by Oxa' software and sensors, compute and drive-by-wire systems

To ensure a safe and efficient deployment, Oxa uses its Spatial AI technology and tests via a combination of controlled environments, real-world driving and virtual testing. Generative AI, digital twins and simulation allow for accelerated training and evaluation set to the customers' needs.

As such, both the autonomous Ford E-Transit van and minibus, powered by Oxa Driver software, are now driving on U.K. and U.S.A roads, and are also available for integration into commercial fleets.