Ohmio
RIVERSIDE (CNS) – Ohmio, a New Zealand company that manufactures electric autonomous vehicles for public transportation, will officially open its headquarters in Riverside next week, while also unveiling an electric shuttle branded for the city.
The grand opening is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday at 10 a.m. at 6868 Airport Drive.
Among those expected to attend are Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, Riverside City Council members, Riverside Transit Agency Board members and representatives from the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, as well as the New Zealand Government’s Trade and Enterprise business development agency.
“We are excited to establish our new headquarters in Riverside, a city that shares our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” Dean Zabrieszach, president and CEO of Ohmio Inc., said in a statement. “This facility will not only serve as the hub for our operations but also as a center for research and development, driving advancements in autonomous vehicle technology.”
Company officials said Ohmio’s new facility will manufacture the first end-to-end, all-electric autonomous shuttles in the United States. The shuttles can seat up to eight passengers and travel at speeds of up to 25 mph. The shuttles will be deployed in various locations throughout Riverside, providing a zero-emission transportation option for residents and visitors.
Ohmio also plans to integrate vehicles into the Riverside Transit Agency fleet as a complimentary service. Trained RTA coach operators will serve as onboard safety operators for the pilot program.
Zayn Mashat of Ohmio said the company was looking to expand to the U.S., and picked Riverside because it is a city of arts and innovation.
Mashat added that the company met with UC Riverside and the Chamber of Commerce to discuss their project plans, and that Riverside showed a willingness to bring Ohmio to the city to build an ecosystem around clean air, clean environment and clean transportation.
It is still unclear what routes will be available around the city, but Mashat said there will be campus circulators around UCR, Cal Baptist and possibly Riverside Community College.
“Riverside is emerging as a global center for clean and green technology, and Ohmio is the next step in that evolution,” Dawson said. “We are proud to welcome Ohmio to our community and look forward to the positive impact their innovative technology will have on our city’s transportation infrastructure.”
More information on the self-driving vehicles is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzqGugtPHQg.
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