Self-Driving, Solar-Powered Vehicles Eyed as Solution to Urban Infrastructure Jams

By Cole Feldman

The tech-driven automotive company Neuron EV has announced the development of a potential solution to crowded and inefficient urban infrastructure. Neuron EV posted pictures and descriptions of their new Multipurpose Autonomous Platforms, known as MAPs, which are self-driving, solar-powered vehicles that transport structures of various sizes.

Due to its flexible carrying capacity, a MAP may function as a standard vehicle, a mobile storage unit, or even a temporary residence, depending on the need.

According to Neuron EV, “the primary goal of MAP is to make static structures mobile, thereby expanding their functionality. It’s designed to be compatible with standard shipping containers. MAP integrated shipping containers are self-driving spaces with limitless customization.”

A MAP may be altered to hold structures hospitable for various businesses. Every facet of a MAP container features some form of customization, including the roof, which can be modified to provide solar power. The interior may be changed to suit “shops, cafes, restaurants, hotels, and offices.”

These vehicles fit together as well, theoretically opening up the possibility for parking garages to become mobile buildings and provide a way to recycle space in an environmentally friendly way.

This recycling of space may add efficiency and sustainability to future infrastructure. With the use of this technology, real estate becomes malleable and can withstand change of ownership or resizing without large cost.

Large systems of MAPs will also be able to join together for collaboration of different businesses. An example Neuron EV describes is that of a mobile shopping center with the ability to append to a high-rise.

The MAP vehicles are part of Neuron EV’s larger “Harmony, Utility, Balance” system, or HUB, which they revealed May 10. The mission of HUB is to provide sustainable, decongested alternatives to current urban transportation and storage systems.

HUB provides access to the MAP units and other clean energy vehicles developed by Neuron EV through a mobile application which employs block-chain technology for encryption. Customers will be able to access the MAP units for public and personal transportation, as an alternative to traditional rideshare technologies.

The rideshare will be offered at three separate accommodation levels: basic, comfort, and premium. The basic level provides ample space for up to six people and any accompanying baggage.

Rideshare HUBs will constantly be available and roam areas at low speeds, using traffic detection software to frequent busy areas.

Neuron EV says, “[the HUB] technology is integral in building the next generation ecosystem that realizes the vision of smart cities. It’s a new paradigm of transportation that aims to usher in the future of smart travel.”

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