Gaussin begins vehicle automation project

The company has acquired 10 electric 6m vehicles from Bollore Group subsidiary Bluebus. Gaussin aims to transform the Bluebuses into autonomous vehicles for on-road applications that the group will market. Gaussin has also acquired the autonomous control system, including source codes, of an automotive engineering group.

“Our initial successes in the field of intelligent mobility fully justify an acceleration to which the acquisition of the 10 electric Bluebuses and their transformation into autonomous vehicles, as well as the acquisition of the source codes for the autonomous driving system that we have just completed, will contribute,” said Christophe Gaussin, CEO of the Gaussin Group.

Large capacity batteries

With the ability to travel at speeds of up to 50kph, each Bluebus carries 90kW/h of LMP batteries from Blue Solutions, also a subsidiary of the Bollore Group, which specialises in the manufacture of batteries. The LMP batteries are the result of a unique “all-solid lithium metal” technology that provides a very high level of safety, without thermal runaway, and the ability to withstand extreme outdo–or temperatures of up to 65°C without cooling.

Gaussin’s autonomous control system acquisition will enable it to strengthen its technology in this field and to rapidly deploy secure, turnkey solutions for the automation of flows in closed environments and on public roads.

In September 2020, Gaussin announced an exclusive Bluebus distribution agreement in the Middle East and a non-exclusive distribution agreement in the rest of the world, excluding France.

In November 2020, Gaussin signed a 20-year licence agreement to enter the market for electric and hydrogen-powered heavy-duty road trucks.