Lyft and nuTonomy deploying self-driving EVs in the US

Ride-sharing platform Lyft has announced a partnership with self-driving car start-up nuTonomy to use their vehicles for a fleet in the US – starting in Boston.

Similar test projects in Boston and Singapore are already operated by nuTonomy, but through this partnership with Lyft customers can experience the vehicles through the ride-sharing app, Electrek reports.

The tests are being held in Boston’s Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park and the adjacent Seaport and Fort Point neighbourhoods. A nuTonomy engineer rides in each of its vehicles during testing to observe system performance and assume control if required.

What is also interesting is that nuTonomy has been using electric vehicles as a platform for its self-driving technology, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV and the Renault Zoe.

“Thousands” of the vehicles could end up in the Boston project as the two companies develop the technology.

“By combining forces with Lyft in the US, we’ll be positioned to build the best passenger experience for self-driving cars,” nuTonomy co-founder and chief executive officer Karl lagnemma says. “Both companies care immensely about solving urban transportation issues and the future of our cities, and we look forward to working with Lyft as we continue to improve our autonomous vehicle software system.”

Lyft co-founder and chief executive officer Logan Green says they want closer partnerships with the companies behind self-driving technology to see how their app can be integrated into those vehicles, reports Electrek.

“At Lyft, we imagine a world where car ownership is optional and cities are designed for people instead of cars,” Green says. “Partnering with nuTonomy is an important step towards making this vision a reality. The nuTonomy team is one of the first movers in autonomous vehicle development, and we look forward to working with them to bring their autonomous vehicles to the Lyft network.”

Lyft has been active through partnerships in the self-driving space. It took an important US$500 million (NZ$696.18m) from GM to work with them on the deployment of autonomous cars in their fleet. They also announced a similar deal with Alphabet’s Waymo last month.