MAN's autonomous electric bus begins test runs with passengers on Munich's Line 178
Image: MAN
Starting November 17, test users will be able to ride in MAN’s automated electric bus on Munich’s MVG Line 178 for the first time. The 12-meter-long Lions City 12 E operates as an additional vehicle on the existing bus route between Petuelring and Freimanner Hölzl from Monday to Friday. These trips are part of the MINGA research project, involving MAN Truck & Bus, the Stadtwerke München (SWM), the Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft (MVG), and Munich’s municipal transportation department.
The automated electric bus, developed in partnership with technology provider ADASTEC, has been tested in public road traffic on Route 178 since early September. The vehicle is equipped with five LiDAR sensors, six radars, eight cameras, and satellite-based positioning. It can steer, accelerate, brake, and signal independently, while specially trained safety drivers monitor the systems and take control of the vehicle if necessary. According to project officials, before entering public service, the bus underwent a comprehensive testing program at the MAN facility, as well as technical inspections by TÜV and other approval processes.
The testing with trial passengers is set to continue until June 2027 to gather insights into the operation of autonomous buses in public transportation. The Technical University of Munich and the University of Stuttgart are providing scientific oversight of these trips, examining factors such as public acceptance of the technology, passengers’ safety perceptions, and accessibility. This involves voluntary surveys before and after the trips, as well as more in-depth observational studies and interviews during selected trips. The experiences gained are intended to inform the development of future vehicle generations and other applications.
The MAN Lion’s City 12 E offers around 30 seating places and one wheelchair space, with test drives taking place within a closed user group. Interested parties can register with MVG to join the interest list. Route 178, selected for testing the automated electric bus, features various traffic conditions, including main traffic arteries, 30 km/h zones, parking areas, and underpasses. This is intended to simulate the future deployment of autonomous buses in regular bus services under as realistic conditions as possible.
The MINGA research project, ongoing since 2023, brings together 16 partners from government, research, and industry. Led by the Munich Mobility Department, it aims to integrate automated and connected mobility solutions into the existing transportation system and to examine issues related to technology, regulation, cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and operation. SWM and MVG are responsible for integrating the test operations into Munich’s bus network, while MAN works together with ADASTEC on automated vehicle technology. The German Federal Ministry of Transport is funding this research project until mid-2027 with approximately 13 million euros.
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Thomas Langenbucher is an expert in electromobility with professional experience in the automotive industry and finance sector. Since 2011, he has been covering electric vehicles, sustainable technologies, and mobility solutions for ecomento.de. Learn more.
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