From smart shuttles to flying taxis to off-road electric bikes – the development of world-leading technology from New Zealand has the potential to change how people get from A to B all around the world.
From innovators like Bruce McLaren to Burt Munroe, New Zealand has a long history of transport technology that has paved the way for the next generation of innovators who are helping drive intelligent transport into the future.
It’s not just New Zealand companies who are looking to change the way people travel. A number of international companies have identified New Zealand as a country that shares their vision to create a more sustainable transport future, and are using New Zealand to develop and test their own transport technology. Here are three innovative companies who are driving intelligent transport onto the world’s roads, waters, and skies.
OHMIO – RIDE THE FUTURE
Ohmio is the first New Zealand smart shuttle. It’s an autonomous electric vehicle that is truly ground-breaking in design and construction. The Ohmio LIFT is Ohmio’s flagship autonomous shuttle and is capable of carrying up to 20 passengers. It has already been successfully trialled as a public service vehicle at Christchurch International Airport, JFK Airport in New York, and at the Paerata Rise residential development in Auckland. This cutting-edge system will provide on-demand transport to residents of Paerata Rise via a smartphone app.
UBCO BIKES – POWER YOUR PURPOSE
In 2016 UBCO launched the 2X2 – the world’s first electric-powered two-wheel drive motorcycle. It was developed with New Zealand farmland in mind, but has a range of applications from adventure to commuting to hardcore farming. Now UBCO has models for both on- and off-road applications. All-terrain, all-utility, and all-performance, UBCO 2X2s are reducing emissions daily, for work or play, on or off the road.
WISK – FLYING TAXIS
Where they’re going, they don’t need roads! Wisk identified New Zealand as a country that shares a similar vision and values. So, they signed an agreement with the New Zealand government to test their self-flying air taxi in Canterbury to support the pursuit of delivering safe, everyday flight for everyone. Wisk’s all-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft has space for two passengers. It uses self-flying software combined with human oversight. This’ll be one way to beat the rush hour traffic.
Looking for somewhere that is changing the way people travel? We know a place.
