Through this strategic partnership, NuPort will provide AI-enabled autonomous solutions and EKA will provide the electric vehicle platform. The former will use proprietary AI technology which will progressively enable autonomous features thereby increasing safety, operational efficiency, and reduced carbon footprint.
Electric vehicles and technology company EKA, a subsidiary of Pinnacle Industries Limited, today entered into a partnership with NuPort Robotics to introduce Level 2 autonomy, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), in its electric bus models. This partnership is the first move in India to incorporate progressive Level 2 autonomy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Electric buses on Indian roads.
According to the company, EKA has begun testing a range of autonomous features developed by NuPort, an advanced technology that promises to contribute to notable improvements in safety, reducing environmental footprint, and increasing operational efficiency.
The technology will be deployed with over 5000 buses, representing a minimum investment of nearly INR 150 crore in innovation and contributing to the future of transportation and sustainability. Such technologies are deployed in commercial vehicles, and have been associated with reducing crash rates by nearly 50%, the company added.
Sudhir Mehta, Chairman, EKA and Pinnacle Industries Limited, said, “Our partnership with NuPort ensures that our electric buses are not only environmentally friendly but also futuristic through the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence thereby making our buses efficient and safer to operate on Indian roads. This collaboration strengthens our goal of positioning EKA asthe leader in the electric vehicle industry in India.”
NuPort Robotics, a Canadian company, announced its plans earlier this month to set up operations in India and fully develop and deploy its technology in India for commercial vehicle manufacturers, beginning with electric vehicle manufacturers.
“The current project with EKA allows us to set a precedent in India for a Level 2 AI-enabled smart Electric bus. Partnering with EKA on this initiative allows us to work with a leading national manufacturer and learn and develop technology solutions specifically for Indian driving conditions,” Raghavender Sahdev, CEO, NuPort Robotics, said.
Publication: Read More