UE | STUDIOS has officially unveiled the People Mover "Self-driving Urban E-Shuttle" (SUE) – a fully autonomous, electric minibus designed to redefine the future of public transportation. The vehicle combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable materials from Covestro.

The People Mover at its world premiere. Clearly visible is the large polycarbonate windshield. One of several materials contributed by Covestro. (Source: UE | STUDIOS)

The People Mover was first shown as a prototype at K 2025 in Düsseldorf, Germany. This year, the vehicle will be tested on public roads this year at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Material Effects from Covestro

The materials used in the People Mover demonstrate Covestro's Material Effects. "The People Mover is more than just a vehicle – it's a showcase for the future of mobility,” explained Jochen Hardt, Head of Global Marketing Mobility at Covestro.

For example, Makrolon AG polycarbonate, an innovative polycarbonate solution based on mass-balanced raw materials from post-consumer waste, is used for the 381cm panoramic glazing for large windshield.

For the autonomous driving systems, opaque but sensor-transparent Makrolon AX ST is used for multi-sensor system covers. This innovative solution enables seamless and invisible integration of sensor technology while providing resistance to vandalism and stone impacts.

In the interior, the lightweight, high-quality, and fully recyclable mono-material Arfinio is used in a vehicle for the first time. The material combines a stone-like appearance and feel with high resistance to mechanical stress, UV radiation, and wear.

Covestro is also represented in the interior, with TPU monomaterial in the seats, and the stone-like material Arfinio. (Source: UE | STUDIOS)

A consistent mono-material approach with recycling in mind was also pursued for the seat upholstery. Printed TPU-based solutions made of Desmopan AIR provide high seating comfort combined with high abrasion resistance and easy cleaning, which is a crucial factor for vehicles in continuous public transit operation.

Mono-materials facilitate recycling

The use of mono-materials also facilitates recycling at the end of the lifecycle and supports SUE's claim to consider sustainability not only in the propulsion system but throughout the entire vehicle architecture.

The project was realized in collaboration with renowned partners, including the Institute for Automotive Engineering of the Lower Saxony Research Centre for Automotive Technology (NFF), TÜV Nord, the Fraunhofer Institute EMFT, and Deutsche Bahn (DB Regio).

As initiator, project manager and vehicle manufacturer, UE | STUDIOS are responsible for the overall concept, complete development, design and production of the SUE People Mover.