Currently reading: Self-driving Rinspeed concept could streamline urban transport

Renault-Twizy-sized Microsnap autonomous shuttle aims to revolutionise delivery and ride-sharing industries

Swiss company Rinspeed has revealed a smaller version of its 2017 self-driving Snap concept, which previews the firm’s plans for an autonomous shuttle network. 

The body of the Microsnap, which is a similar size to the Renault Twizy, can be separated entirely from the skateboard-style chassis on which it is mounted, allowing an automated distribution centre to quickly unload and reload delivery vehicles. 

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Shown also in two-seat ‘Robo-Unit’ form, the Microsnap could, says Rinspeed, carry passengers “comfortably and efficiently on the shortest route to their destination”.

Company boss Frank M Rinderknecht said: “Customers want to be supplied more and more promptly and many passengers do not want to share taxis that take time-consuming detours.”

The modular construction and easy disassembly of the Snap and Microsnap vehicles allow for the replacement of just serviceable parts, rather than the whole vehicle, making it cheaper to use for companies. 

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Using the skateboard architecture, similar to that employed by American start-up Rivian, means the driving body can be recycled separately from the cargo or passenger pod when deemed to be at the end of its service life. 

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Propulsion comes courtesy of a 48V Mahle electric motor mated to a 6.1kW battery and producing 42lb ft of torque. This set-up means the vehicle is capable of 47mph and a range of 59 miles.

A drive-by-wire steering and braking system is connected to a 5G communications service, enabling complete autonomy. 

The interior of the passenger variant is upholstered in leather and equipped with mood lighting, voice activated controls, a curved 49in LED display and a retractable soundproof divider.

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The news comes as Rinspeed announces an array of new engineering and financial partners. Among others, Hankook has agreed to provide tyres to the Snap project and German manufacturer Borbet will supply the wheels. 

Rinspeed is one of many car makers preparing for a future that includes autonomous driving. Earlier this week, Seat revealed its two-seat Minimo, which will offer level four autonomy in production form, and Bosch unveiled a four-seat self-driving shuttle at the Consumer Electronics Show last year

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Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: Deputy editor

Felix is Autocar's deputy editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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Jack Daniels 28 February 2019

Beautiful Car...

Not sure if that could be classified as a car, maybe more a box on wheels but sure...

Maybe i'll stick to my bike if that is the future!!

LJames 27 February 2019

Yesssss!

Yesssss!

I cant wait till the day I will have the opportunity to buy a self-driving shoebox with a big screen.

Note the big screen buy the way. 

Thats the main thing future car buyers will be looking for

rovamota 26 February 2019

I can't see that making it

I can't see that making it onto the public highway.