The Arval Autonomous Shuttle resumes service on open roads in France

Arval France, leader in full-service vehicle leasing and new mobility solutions in the country, announces the return of its autonomous shuttle in June 2022, as part of its partnership with the city of Rueil-Malmaison. 

In 2021, Arval France put two autonomous electric shuttles into service, named EVAA (Arval Autonomous Vehicle Experiment - EZ10 Gen 3 model), to connect its headquarters with the nearest train station. Its local partnership with the city of Rueil-Malmaison, which put in place all the necessary signage and safety improvements on the route, made it possible to experiment with this innovative mobility solution. RATP (Parisian public transport operator), was entrusted with the operation and these two shuttles were designed to improve the quality of life in the Rueil-Malmaison business district, where Arval is located, as well as the comfort and safety of its employees. 

“Faced with climate emergency, local authorities must also adapt and get involved in the search for innovative solutions. Rueil-Malmaison, a city of innovation, has long been committed to accelerating the energy transition in its territory, notably by supporting and promoting the development of clean mobility, including the establishment of the low-emissions zone (ZFE), created by the Métropole du Grand Paris, to combat air pollution” explains Patrick OLLIER, Mayor of Rueil-Malmaison. “This is why the City naturally supported the autonomous shuttle project, developed by the Rueil-Malmaison based company Arval for its employees, especially since this type of flexible and sustainable transportation will help improve the flow of traffic in the area.”

In 2021, the shuttles travelled over 3,500 km, and transported some 3,100 passengers, blending perfectly into other traffic. 94% of Arval employees expressed their wish to see this experiment renewed. 

After one year of experimentation, and a few months of stoppage to take stock, the shuttle will be resuming its route at peak times: in the mornings, from 08h00 to 10h00, and in the evenings, from 17h00 to 19h00. Following the conclusions of the first experiment, the speed has been increased compared to the start of the experiment, in line with user feedback, and its software has been updated so as to better adapt the shuttle to its environment. This system complements the Mobility Hub for employees of Arval’s head office, which is made up of various shared mobility solutions (electric cars, e-bicycles and e-scooters), to facilitate their daily commutes.

Proud of the success of the previous trial of their autonomous shuttle and its renewal, Arval is promoting its position as a key player in the mobility sector, and might, in the future, extend this service to the many employees of companies close to the Rueil-Malmaison RER station.

“We’re delighted to be putting this shuttle back into service, in cooperation with the city of Rueil-Malmaison and the RATP. Arval’s investment in alternative and environmentally friendly travel solutions is fully in line with our “Arval Beyond” strategic plan, with the goal of becoming a leader in sustainable mobility for all employees.” says Ferréol MAYOLY, General Manager of Arval France.