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MOIA, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group, is conducting tests of its fully autonomous vehicle, the ID. Buzz AD, in Oslo, Norway, under extreme winter conditions. The tests aim to address the challenges posed by snow, ice, and cold temperatures, which can affect sensors, vehicle control, and overall safety. These trials are crucial for advancing the development of autonomous driving technology at SAE Level 4 and ensuring its reliability in various climates, particularly in Europe and North America.
Key Highlights
- Winter Challenges: Testing focuses on sensor performance, vehicle control, and safety in snow, ice, and cold.
- Advancing Autonomy: Trials contribute to developing SAE Level 4 autonomous driving with safety drivers on board.
- Global Relevance: Insights are essential for deploying autonomous vehicles in Europe and North America.
- Expanded Testing: Complements ongoing tests in Austin, Munich, and Hamburg.
The tests in Oslo are particularly significant because they provide a rigorous environment to evaluate autonomous driving technology. As Christian Senger, CEO of Volkswagen ADMT, explains, “Winter road conditions with temperatures down to –20 degrees Celsius are the ultimate stress test for autonomous vehicles. For the widespread deployment of the technology, it is essential that they operate reliably not only in ideal environments but also in winter weather.” The data collected will be invaluable for further developing both the software and hardware of the autonomous systems.
Sascha Meyer, CEO of MOIA, emphasizes the importance of reliability across all seasons: “Users of mobility services expect a comfortable, reliable, and safe mode of transport – regardless of the season and weather conditions. This remains especially true in the autonomous age.” To achieve this, MOIA is working to make the technology winter-proof, which is vital for the long-term economic success of their offerings in Europe and North America. In Oslo, MOIA collaborates with Holo, an operator of autonomous vehicle fleets, who provides the necessary infrastructure and supports operations in the Norwegian capital.
MOIA is developing an autonomous on-demand system that includes the fully autonomous vehicle, intelligent fleet management software, passenger management, and a customer booking app. The company has already conducted extensive testing in Austin, Munich, and Hamburg, accumulating hundreds of thousands of test kilometers. In 2025, MOIA plans to begin testing with external closed user groups in Hamburg, where selected individuals can book autonomous rides. The current tests in Oslo are a critical step in preparing the technology for commercial deployment under diverse and challenging conditions.
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