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ZF Mobility Solutions has earned Germany-wide Level 4 autonomous driving test approval from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), a major step for public transport innovation. This milestone allows ZF to test highly automated systems across urban and regional areas, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. The approval, valid until 2026 with a possible extension to 2028, supports projects like the successful Rheinbahn AG test in Düsseldorf and the RABus initiative in Baden-Württemberg. ZF’s expertise is now poised to accelerate autonomous mobility solutions nationwide.
Key Highlights
- Nationwide Testing: ZF can now test Level 4 systems on public roads throughout Germany, excluding high-speed motorways.
- Rheinbahn AG Success: In February 2025, ZF tested an autonomous transport system (ATS) in Düsseldorf, offering free rides during the XPONENTIAL trade fair.
- RABus Project: In Baden-Württemberg, ZF advances autonomous shuttle technology with partner eVersum, building on prior Level 4 approvals.
ZF Mobility Solutions, a subsidiary of the ZF technology group, received this groundbreaking approval to test its Level 4 autonomous driving system without needing separate permits for each area. “The Germany-wide Level 4 test approval for our autonomous driving system marks a significant step towards autonomous mobility in local public transport,” says Alexander Makowski, Head of ZF Mobility Solutions. This flexibility saves time and costs for partners, enabling faster deployment of transport solutions.
In North Rhine-Westphalia, ZF partnered with Rheinbahn AG for a real-world test in Düsseldorf. The project showcased an ATS with a safety driver, allowing public transport operators and visitors to experience the technology. “Autonomous driving is a crucial building block for the transport transition,” says Annette Grabbe, Rheinbahn AG’s CFO. ZF provided technical and organizational support, from route planning to hardware selection.
Meanwhile, the RABus project in Baden-Württemberg highlights ZF’s pioneering role. Partnering with eVersum, ZF developed electric shuttles equipped with advanced autonomous tech. “With RABus, Baden-Württemberg has done pioneering work in autonomous driving with shuttle buses,” says Minister Winfried Hermann. The project’s insights now inform ZF’s nationwide efforts, pushing Level 4 systems closer to market readiness.
This approval positions ZF as a leader in sustainable mobility, offering scalable solutions for urban and regional transport challenges across Germany.
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