Gothenburg gears up to test future transport tech in the heart of town
‘Possibilities, not bans’
The city insisted the zone will not lead to bans or restrictions on certain vehicles, though did not elaborate on how non-electric vehicles will be accommodated.
Volvo, which is headquartered in Gothenburg, plans to provide robotic cabs operated by itsmobility service.
“We want to use our knowledge and technology to help create a future city that is electrified, connected, shared, and climate-neutral,” said Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer at Volvo.
The company also says it will test ‘geo-solutions’ in the zone that ensure vehicles on-site drive exclusively in electric mode and adhere to speed limits. Traffic infrastructure will also be modified to connect with vehicles and exchange information between road users.
All-electric mobility hubs and an easy-to-use charging network are also being considered.
Gothenburg has implemented a congestion charge on all cars entering the city center since 2013, and while mopeds and scooters are exempt, electric vehicles are not.
2030 ban
The Swedish government has already announced its intention to ban sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030,commissioning an inquiryin 2019 into the practicalities of the plan and how to promote it across the EU.
“Sweden will be the world’s firstfossil-freewelfare nation,” said Minister for Financial Markets and Housing, Per Bolund.
“The transport sector is responsible for a third of Sweden’s emissions of greenhouse gases, and thus has a significant role to play in the climate transition.”
The final report is set to be published by 1 February 2021.
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Story byCities Today
Cities Today is the leading news platform on urban mobility and innovation, reaching an international audience of city leaders.Cities Today is the leading news platform on urban mobility and innovation, reaching an international audience of city leaders.
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