Electric buses due to arrive in 2026 could be the future of urban and airport transportation
- May Mobility used CES to unveil a new self-driving minibus that will be launched next year.
- It is fully electric and comes with a replaceable battery pack to minimize downtime.
- The bus can carry 30 passengers and can reach speeds of 45 mph.
Cruise’s robotaxi dream recently died in a high-profile manner, but May Mobility isn’t throwing in the towel. On the contrary, the Toyota-owned company has launched a self-driving minibus.
Created in partnership with Tecnobus, the model can seat up to 30 passengers and reach speeds of 45 mph (72 km/h). This makes it ideal for use in cities, airports and corporate campuses.
More: GM abandons Cruise, ends robotaxi promotion
May Mobility did not reveal more information about the bus, but it is equipped with various cameras and sensors. The company also confirmed it will be fully electric and have swappable batteries, which will minimize downtime.
The first buses are expected to be ready in the first half of 2026 and will be on the road later that year. There’s no word yet on where they will be deployed, but the company says the model is approved for use in Canada and Europe, which will allow them to enter new markets.
Edwin Olson, CEO of May Mobility, said: “Our partnership with Tecnobus demonstrates how seriously we take expanding transportation accessibility and reducing urban congestion. This is a powerful example of doing right by communities things that can also promote the development of our business.”
Meanwhile, May Mobility is focusing its efforts in Ann Arbor and Detroit, Michigan, as well as Sun City, Arizona, and Martinez, California. The company also has offices in Arlington, Texas, Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and Miami, Florida. These programs offer free or low-cost service using self-driving Toyota Siennas.
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