SberAutoTech, part of the Sber ecosystem, has developed a completely unmanned electric vehicle called FLIP and presented its prototype, the press service of the credit institution said.
“The FLIP electric platform removes all the restrictions imposed by the layout of standard vehicles. In combination with the flexible architecture of the self-driving technology developed by SberAutoTech, this will allow us to offer solutions for a wide variety of areas: cargo transportation, the last mile, taxi, “said STO Sberbank Group, Sberbank Executive Vice President, Head of the Technologies block David Rafalovsky.
FLIP is based on an electrical platform developed by SberAutoTech specialists. The vehicle is powered by a removable battery module, which are arranged in such a way that the modules can be replaced within five minutes. As Sberbank clarified, it is more convenient than in the case of conventional electric cars, the batteries of which take a long time to charge and are expensive. Alternative fuel, including gas or hydrogen, can also be used as an energy source for FLIP.
The FLIP size is 3.62m by 1.95m, which is the standard for a light car. However, according to Sber, this is 40% more space inside the car, since there is no room for the driver, so the cabin can accommodate six passengers.
The electric car is a drone of the fifth level of autonomy according to the international classification. It is equipped with a complex of lidars, radars and cameras, allowing it to read information about the world around it, including recognizing pedestrians and other obstacles.
Now SberAutoTech is conducting development tests of the prototype in full compliance with the current legislation for completely unmanned vehicles – only in closed areas, Sberbank said. It is specified that the prototype will be presented at the SPIEF.
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