AV STAR Partnership will accelerate autonomous shuttle offerings for transit authorities across America
VANCOUVER, Canada (Nov. 8, 2021) – GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (NASDAQ: GP) (TSXV: GPV) (“GreenPower”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of zero emission electric-powered vehicles. So together with Perrone Robotics, a leading provider of fully autonomous vehicle (AV) technology and turnkey vehicle solutions for the mobility of people and things made something amazing. Because they announced their Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) agreement.
OEM Agreement
Under this new agreement, the two companies will continue to build on the success of the original AV Star developed for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) in 2019. The original AV Star was developed to meet a growing demand in the transit and transportation sector where reliable mobility was a requirement. Especially to expand accessibility options for all end-users. Once deployed in 2019, the JTA AV Star became the nation’s first fully autonomous, all electric, ADA-compliant, and FMVSS certified vehicle. The base EV Star vehicle is also Altoona tested and Buy America compliant.
AV STAR
Therefore with the success of this project, GreenPower and Perrone Robotics have come together. All to deliver the next generation of the AV Star. Through this OEM agreement, GreenPower’s EV Star, a multi-purpose, zero-emission, min-E Bus will be upfitted with Perrone’s TONY® (short for “To Navigate You”) autonomous vehicle retrofit kit. A kit which will transform the EV Star to the AV Star. Built on the same highly rated chassis as the EV Star. For it combined with Perrone’s reliable autonomous vehicle platform. For this makes the AV star one of the most transit ready vehicles. Most noteworthy capable of autonomy in the market.
“Through Perrone’s leading autonomy solution combined with our purpose-built, all -electric vehicles. We are able to provide the industry with reliable, innovative solutions together. This is the most compelling autonomous transit solution out there. Moreover we are honored to partner with the true industry leader,” said Fraser Atkinson, CEO of GreenPower. “This vehicle is going to be a market leading gamechanger. So we are looking forward to offering market-proven solutions, especially at the national level.”
FMVSS PLUS ADA
The AV Star aims to be a leading mobility and transportation choice. Especially for cities, municipalities, public and private campuses. The vehicle is capable of carrying up to 16 passengers, is ADA compliant. In addition, FMVSS compliant, and also can travel at highway speeds. These are especially important and critical features driven by the vision for the future of autonomous transit.
Furthermore, the AV Star is currently being proved out in the industry through the company’s work with the Jacksonville Transit Authority (JTA) and U2C. Most importantly to undergo testing for transit applications.
APTA Expo
GreenPower will exhibit at the American Public Transportation Association Expo (APTA) in Orlando, FL. For this was on Nov. 8-10, 2021. In addition, APTA attendees can learn more about GreenPower’s electric vehicle offerings at Booth #2321. Also you check out GreenPower’s AV Star at Perrone’s booth #2313.
AV Star Demonstration
Most interestingly, GreenPower and Perrone will be hosting a Ride & Drive event. This was featuring the AV Star on Monday and Tuesday. For that’s from 10-4:30 and Wednesday from 10-1 at West Hall C – Circular Entrance.
Panel with Jacksonville Transit Authority at APTA
APTA attendees can learn more about the AV Star during a panel hosted by Perrone Robotics on Nov 9, from 2:40 – 3:10 in the Hot Topics Learning Zone Booth #3261.
In conclusion, panel participants include, Perrone Robotics CEO and Founder, Paul Perrone, with Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Chief Executive Officer, Nathaniel “Nat” P. Ford Sr. and moderated by transportation and mobility executive Richard “Dick” Alexander of Mobility360. Finally, the session topic “Perspectives on Procuring and Implementing Autonomous Transportation Programs”. One that will most definitely provide a unique perspective on AV on-road deployments.
Sources: GreenPower Motor Company Inc. www.greenpowermotor.com and Perrone Robotics, Inc. @ www.perronerobotics.com or follow us @perronerobotics.
