Volvo to supply cars for robotaxi tests

Volvo Cars will supply its XC90s to DiDi Autonomous Driving for its self-driving test fleet.

The deal involving the self-driving technology arm of Didi Chuxing means the cars will be equipped with necessary backup systems for functions such as steering and braking, and Volvo Cars will collaborate with DiDi Autonomous Driving to integrate the additional software and hardware required to make it ready for autonomous drive.

The XC90 cars will be the first to integrate DiDi Gemini, DiDi Autonomous Driving’s new self-driving hardware platform, and are intended to be deployed for ride-hailing in DiDi’s network.

The built-in backup systems and safety features on the XC90s, combined with DiDi Autonomous Driving’s advanced self-driving system, will eventually allow the cars to operate without safety drivers in robotaxi services.

Volvo Cars and DiDi Autonomous Driving aim to build a long-term partnership as DiDi continues to expand its autonomous test fleets across China and the US and scales up its commercial robotaxi operations.

DiDi uses its expertise in network operation and a large bank of real-world driving data to develop commercial autonomous transportation services by collaborating with the world’s premium car makers.

In 2020, Volvo Cars provided DiDi with Volvo XC60s for use in Shanghai’s first pilot robotaxi programme.

“This strategic collaboration with DiDi Autonomous Driving is further validation of our ambition to be the partner of choice to the world’s leading ride-hailing companies,” Volvo Cars chief executive Håkan Samuelsson says.

“Combining DiDi’s expanding robotaxi programme with our safe cars creates a great match to build trust among consumers for autonomous ride-hailing.”

DiDi Autonomous Driving chief executive and Didi Chuxing chief technology officer Bob Zhang says DiDi believes shared, electric and autonomous vehicle networks will be crucial for future urban transport systems to achieve the highest safety and sustainability standards.

“DiDi Gemini, our new self-driving hardware platform, incorporates critical hardware improvements from our test passenger service operations in Shanghai.”