Autonomous vehicle technology company Faction has started testing self-driving light electric vehicles (EVs) in Houston for last-kilometre delivery operations.

Using proprietary technology, including its DriveLink autonomy system and TeleAssist for remote human assistance, the California-based company is deploying an initial fleet of self-driving light EVs. These vehicles are for kerbside delivery operations in Houston.

DriveLink is said to enable seamless integration of autonomous capabilities into compact and agile vehicles. These self-driving light EVs are suitable for urban environments for kerbside deliveries.

TeleAssist ensures a smooth transition to autonomous operations by providing real-time remote human assistance when needed. This support system allows Faction to scale its autonomous fleets, ensuring seamless operations.

The self-driving vehicles will be fulfilling kerbside deliveries for real customers in the Houston metropolitan area in its early operations phase. This hands-on testing allows Faction to gather insights and feedback for the last-kilometre delivery industry.

Communications company Verizon (www.verizon.com) is providing mobile connectivity to support Faction’s tracking and monitoring services for its vehicles. This enables seamless communication and data transmission, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the autonomous delivery operations. The vehicles are also using Verizon’s Hyper Precise Location service, which enhances satellite-based location accuracy from metres to centimetres.

“We are excited to collaborate with Faction to provide reliable cellular connectivity and location services for their self-driving vehicles,” said TJ Fox, senior vice president at Verizon Business. “This partnership demonstrates Verizon’s commitment to enabling innovations that drive the future of mobility.”

In addition to delivering goods to customers, Faction’s self-driving EVs will be collecting routing and map data for the Houston metro area. These data will help optimise navigation algorithms to enhance the overall efficiency of autonomous vehicle operations.

“We are thrilled to bring our self-driving technology to the vibrant city of Houston and demonstrate the potential of autonomous vehicles to revolutionise urban transportation and delivery operations,” said Ain McKendrick, CEO of Faction (www.faction.us). “We are poised to drive positive change and create a more sustainable, efficient and accessible future for all.”