MAN Teams up with Adastec to Launch Automated Lion’s City E Pilot in Munich

Why It Matters

The pilot demonstrates the feasibility of driverless, zero‑emission public transport in a major European city, accelerating industry adoption and informing regulatory frameworks.

Key Takeaways

• MAN integrates Adastec ADS into Lion’s City 12 E electric bus.
• Sensor suite includes 5 LiDAR, 6 radar, 8 cameras, GNSS.
• Pilot runs without passengers slated for Munich autumn 2026.
• €13 million ($14 million) German funding supports MINGA project through 2027.
• MAN aims to launch SAE Level 4 autonomous bus within a decade.

Pulse Analysis

MAN Truck & Bus is moving from concept to on‑road validation with its Lion’s City 12 E electric bus equipped with Adastec’s Level 4 automated‑driving software. The partnership replaces the earlier Mobileye arrangement, signaling MAN’s confidence in Adastec’s modular ADS platform that can be scaled across commercial vehicles. By embedding a full sensor suite and a GNSS module, the bus can perceive complex urban environments without human input. This step aligns with Europe’s broader push for zero‑emission, driver‑less public transport and positions MAN as a key supplier in the emerging market.

The test program follows a staged approach: laboratory calibration at MAN’s facilities, controlled‑site trials that include precise docking at bus stops, and finally unmanned runs on Munich streets without passengers. The vehicle’s perception stack—five LiDAR units, six radars and eight cameras—meets the redundancy requirements of SAE Level 4, while the safety driver remains on board for regulatory compliance. Funding of roughly €13 million (about $14 million) from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport underpins the MINGA consortium, which brings together 16 partners to address integration, legislation and service models for autonomous mobility.

If the autumn 2026 pilot proves reliable, Munich could become one of the first European cities to operate a closed‑user‑group autonomous bus service, paving the way for broader passenger deployment. Success would validate MAN’s roadmap to deliver a fully driverless, electric bus within the next decade, encouraging other transit agencies to consider similar upgrades. The project also showcases how public‑private collaboration can accelerate technology adoption, potentially reshaping fleet procurement strategies and reducing operating costs across the continent’s public‑transport networks.