Oxa Launches Self-Driving Ford Electric Cargo Vans

British start-up Oxa has launched an autonomous Ford E-Transit van and minibus fitted with its Oxa Driver software.

The Oxford-based company, which was formerly known as Oxbotica, says the introduction of the vehicles marks a “significant leap forward” in the commercialization of its self-driving technology.

The breakthrough is the latest realization in the firm’s pursuit of Universal Autonomy – the concept whereby Oxa’s full stack of software can be used on any vehicle to provide self-driving capability.

In this instance, the new E-Transits have been converted using what Oxa terms Reference Autonomy Designs (RADs). These design blueprints are said to allow for the rapid integration of autonomy on host vehicles, including the firm’s Driven by Oxa software and sensors, compute and drive-by-wire systems.

This process sees the RADs defined and validated by Oxa,  before being used by automakers (and approved fitters) to mass produce autonomous vehicles (AVs). Oxa believes this method offers a viable route to commercial scaling.

The hardware fitted to the E-Transits consists of cameras, lidar and radar, with full 360-degree perception and long-range detection allowing autonomous functionality in mixed traffic at speeds of up to 35 mph. However, the vehicles also come with manual controls to allow conventional operation.

Related:Beep Self-Driving Vehicle Network Launched on Florida State Campus

Likely use cases include deliveries and logistics for the van, while the minibus version can seat up to 10. The addition of the hardware has not compromised interior space, and the electric powertrain means there are no emissions in use.

Oxa also says the vehicles have undergone a thorough assessment and testing program, which has included driving in controlled environments, in real-world conditions and virtually, using digital twins, generative AI and simulations.

Both versions are available for fleets in the U.K. and U.S. now.

Gavin Jackson, CEO of Oxa, said: “Making the Ford E-Transit available for autonomous operations is the next step on our journey to deliver safe, scalable and sustainable autonomous solutions.

“This vehicle represents an important milestone in our mission to reshape the future of passenger transportation and logistics.”

Previous examples of Oxa’s Universal Autonomy have included self-driving shuttles produced in association with Austrian bus maker eVersum for deployment in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and an AV service at Florida State College in Jacksonville, Florida, in tandem with Beep.

In early 2023, it secured a significant round of series C funding to the tune of $140 million, with it subsequently emerging that Google was one of its backers.

Related:Self-Driving Technology Developer Oxbotica Raises $140M