Suzuki inks deal with Applied EV to develop autonomous EV platform

Suzuki Motor Corporation has partnered with Applied Electric Vehicle for the development of an autonomous electric vehicle platform.

In the co-development project, Applied EV’s autonomous vehicle platform, Blanc Robot, will be integrated to the ladder frame of Suzuki’s 4WD Jimny, electrified by Applied EV and controlled by their central control system, Digital Backbone.

The two companies said they intend to bring the Blanc Robot to production and develop business models to expand the adoption of autonomous electric vehicles and enhance brand awareness.

Prior to the agreement, Suzuki made additional investments in Applied EV through Suzuki’s corporate venture capital fund, Suzuki Global Ventures. The two companies said this will further strengthen their relationship and promote next-generation mobility.

Julian Broadbent, co-founder and CEO at Applied EV said, “The success of our alliance with Suzuki is the result of a common vision to improve global transport solutions, backed by innovative technology and experience.

“We believe this will solve many current social and economic issues, such as logistics challenges, including labour shortage and cost, which have been exasperated by recent economic pressures.”

Broadbent added, “Commercialising efficient logistic solutions not only opens up new business models but offers immense social benefits by lowering road accidents, addressing labour shortages and reducing greenhouse emissions.”

Suzuki entered into an agreement in September 2021 and invested in Applied EV in 2022 and has since been evaluating the possibility of collaboration.

In September last year, Applied EV closed the first tranche of a funding round, raising $21 million, with its valuation now reaching $170 million.

At the time of the funding Broadbent said the alliance is mutually beneficial as it brings together Applied EV’s innovative technology with Suzuki’s experience in building high-quality and efficient vehicles.

Founded in 2015, Applied EV develops safety-rated, autonomous-ready, digital control systems and modular vehicle platforms for commercial applications.

Applied EV builds driverless, efficient transport solutions with Automotive Safety Integrity Level (ASIL) architected applications for the automotive and industrial sectors.