Nissan wants to deploy autonomous Level 4 driving by 2027

Within three years from now, Japanese customers will enjoy the benefits of autonomously driving Nissan taxis in Japan. The automaker has been investigating self-driving cars in traffic since 2017 and has released a road map to make it happen.

Nissan is taking a cautious approach to Robotaxi rides and wants to gather experience and customer feedback before fully launching it as a mobility service. The carmaker will start testing 20 vehicles (SAE Level 4) in the Yokohama area beginning next year, with backup drivers on board.

Nissan already deploys manned taxis in Fukushima, providing a possible platform for automated functionality. If feedback is positive, commercial operations for fully self-driving versions are targeted for 2027.

For the aging people

In collaboration with Japanese governmental bodies and the Level 4 Mobility Acceleration Committee, Nissan’s initiative seeks to offer sustainable public transportation alternatives, particularly in Japan’s rural areas facing economic challenges and aging inhabitants in dire need of mobility solutions.

The trial phase will see the deployment of Serena minivans equipped with autonomous technologies. On top of the drivers for emergency interventions, Nissan has also developed a smartphone app for ride reservations. But even if the project comes to market, the start will be limited to tens of cars at first.

A keen interest is arising in autonomous driving robotaxis in Japan. During the latest edition of the Tokyo Mobility Show, Honda and GM’s subsidiary for self-driving vehicles, Cruise, announced developing and manufacturing a dedicated robotaxi for the Japanese market called Origin. This joint venture will start offering rides in 2026.

Also in London

Nissan has also been testing autonomous projects outside of Japan. With government support, carmakers are testing the technology in complex urban and rural areas around London under the name evolvAD. These Leaf models are equipped with vehicle-to-infrastructure equipment (V2L) and are being put to the test for a trial period of 21 months.

The UK government allocated £100 million to testing projects for autonomous driving. Under the benign ruling, Ford offers hands-free driving in the Mustang Mach-E over the Canal.