Suzuki has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Applied Electric Vehicles Ltd for the development of an ‘autonomous electric vehicle platform’.
Applied EV is described as an Australian technology company with strengths in software and electronics for autonomous ready vehicles. Suzuki invested in Applied EV in 2022 and has since been evaluating the possibility of collaboration.
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 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 has made additional investment in Applied EV through Suzuki’s corporate venture capital fund, Suzuki Global Ventures. The two companies will further strengthen their relationship and promote next generation mobility.
Applied EV at a glance
- Headquarters: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Business Outline: Software development and supply in the mobility field
- Representative (CEO): Julian Broadbent
- Established: 2015
- Technologies: Known as the Digital Backbone, Applied EV’s vehicle control system advances the vehicle feature set and overall software capability, while reducing hardware complexity and total vehicle cost. Applied EV also offers the Blanc Robot, an autonomous vehicle that can be configured for multiple commercial uses, from on-road deliveries such as groceries and packages, to off-road industrial logistics.
