MAN autonomous electric bus Begins Public-Road Testing in Munich

MAN Begins Autonomous Electric Bus Testing in Munich

On October 1, MAN announced that its MAN autonomous electric bus has begun operating on public roads in Munich as part of the MINGA autonomous mobility research project. The 12-meter Lion’s City 12 E is being tested on Route 178 between Petuelring and Freimanner Hölzl, with safety drivers remaining on board during the current phase. The project is intended to gather operational data under real road conditions while supporting research into automated public transportation. The bus is operating as an additional vehicle alongside other buses already serving the existing route.

Sensor Suite Supports Autonomous Operation

The Lion’s City 12 E is equipped with a comprehensive sensor package for automated driving and environmental perception. The test vehicle uses five LiDAR sensors, six radars, eight cameras, and a satellite positioning system to collect data and support the creation of a high-resolution digital map. These systems provide the vehicle with information needed to interpret its surroundings and navigate the designated route. The current testing phase is being conducted with safety drivers on board, allowing the project partners to evaluate the technology while the bus operates in regular public-road conditions.

ADASTEC Technology Enables Automated Driving

MAN is conducting the autonomous bus trials with technology partner ADASTEC, whose automated-driving platform is designed for SAE Level 4 operation. Level 4 automation is intended to allow a vehicle to perform the complete driving task within defined operational conditions, although the specific capabilities being evaluated in this project remain tied to the designated testing environment. The partnership combines MAN’s electric city bus platform with automated-driving technology to assess how an automated bus can operate on an established public transportation route under controlled research conditions.

Passenger Testing Planned for November

A further testing phase involving selected passengers is expected to begin in November. The Lion’s City 12 E provides approximately 30 seats, along with dedicated space that can accommodate a wheelchair or stroller. During the passenger phase, the vehicle is expected to continue operating as an additional bus on the existing Route 178 service rather than replacing the other vehicles assigned to the route. This approach allows the MINGA project to evaluate autonomous operation with passengers while maintaining the existing public transportation service on the route.

MINGA Project Receives Federal Funding

The MINGA autonomous mobility research project brings together 16 partners and is receiving approximately EUR 13 million in federal funding through mid-2027. The project therefore provides a broader research framework for evaluating automated mobility beyond the individual bus test. The Munich deployment gives the partners an opportunity to collect data from a 12-meter electric bus operating on a real public route, while the planned passenger phase can provide additional information about practical operation with selected riders. The research timeline extends through mid-2027, providing a longer period for testing and evaluation.

Industry Impact & Outlook

The Munich deployment demonstrates how autonomous-driving research is moving from controlled testing toward operation on established public bus routes, with electric buses providing the vehicle platform for these trials. For MAN and ADASTEC, the MINGA project can provide real-world operational data relevant to future automated transit applications, while the planned passenger phase adds another layer of evaluation beyond technical road testing. The project’s federal funding through mid-2027 also supports continued development and assessment, making the results relevant to public transportation operators and technology developers evaluating the practical use of automated buses in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the autonomous Lion’s City 12 E begin public-road testing?
The bus began operating on public roads in Munich on October 1 as part of the MINGA autonomous mobility research project. It is currently being tested on Route 178 between Petuelring and Freimanner Hölzl with safety drivers on board. The vehicle uses five LiDAR sensors, six radars, eight cameras, and satellite positioning to gather operational data and support high-resolution digital mapping. A passenger testing phase with selected riders is expected to begin in November, while the wider MINGA project is scheduled to receive federal funding through mid-2027.